Geotechnical Investigations and Support Design for an Underground Powerhouse of Pumped-Storage Power Station: A Case Study in Chongqing, China

Qiang Zhang and Yanni Zheng
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Qiang Zhang: School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Yanni Zheng: School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 14, 1-22

Abstract: This study assesses the efficiency of the empirically recommended supported design of the underground powerhouse of the Panlong pumped-storage power station in Chongqing, China by using 3D distinct element code (3DEC). Field and laboratory tests were conducted to investigate the geological properties of intact rock and rock mass. The results showed that the stability of the large powerhouse may be controlled by the soft rock (mudstone) layers. The rock mass was classified in terms of the Q classification system, basic quality (BQ) method, and hydropower classification (HC) method, and then the supported system was put forward. The efficiency of the designed supported was checked based on the numerical simulation results of deformation and plastic zone. The results showed that the installed support reduces the radius of the plastic zones and the maximum deformation significantly.

Keywords: underground powerhouse; rock mass classification; numerical modeling; empirical approach; support systems; surrounding rock (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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