Optimizing Method of Main Caverns in Large Underground Water-Sealed Storage Caverns
Authors: An Yang , Yan E-chuan , Li Xing-ming , Huang Shao-ping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
As a main method of petroleum strategic reserve in China, underground water-sealed storage cavern owns lots of outstanding advantages, such as low operating costs, high safety, and land resource conservation. Main caverns are important structure in underground project and the layout parameters and excavation scheme will have significant impact on overall project quality. The optimization method of main cavern layout and excavation scheme was put forward by a proposed large-scale underground water-sealed cavern project in China. First, based on field survey results, the Hoek-Brown strength criterion combined with rock mass quality Q classification system was used to estimate the equivalent mechanical parameters of rock mass. Second, the numerical experiments were carried out by relying on 3 Dimensions Distinct Element Code (3DEC). The discontinuous medium model was adopted, and displacements of key points, maximum displacement values and volume of the plastic zone were used as evaluation indicators. Axial direction, buried depth, spacing and excavation scheme of main caverns have been optimized. Results showed that axial direction should adopt NW325°, buried depth of cavern roof should locate at -100m, and distance between adjacent main caverns should be 1.5 times the span (36m). The “jump excavation” mode was recommended in construction. That is, the caverns on both sides should be excavated first, and the middle cavern should be excavated later. This mode could effectively reduce the interaction effect between caverns. This method has the characteristics of easy data acquisition and strong operability. It could be used to guide design and construction of similar projects . As a main method of petroleum strategic reserve in China, underground water-sealed storage cavern owns lots of outstanding advantages, such as low operating costs, high safety, and land resource conservation. Main caverns are important structure in underground project and the layout parameters and excavation scheme will have significant impact on overall project quality. The optimization method of main cavern layout and excavation scheme was put forward by a proposed large-scale underground water-sealed cavern project in China. First, based on field survey results, the Hoek-Brown strength criterion combined with rock mass quality Q classification system was used to estimate the equivalent mechanical parameters of rock mass. Second, the numerical experiments were carried out by relying on 3 Dimensions Distinct Element Code (3DEC). The discontinuous medium model was adopted, and displacements of key points, maximum displacement values and volume of the plastic zone were used as evaluation indicators. Axial direction, buried depth, spacing and excavation scheme of main caverns have been optimized. Results showed that axial direction should adopt NW325°, buried depth of cavern roof should locate at -100m, and distance between adjacent main caverns should be 1.5 times the span (36m). The “jump excavation” mode was recommended in construction. That is, the caverns on both sides should be excavated first, and the middle cavern should be excavated later. This mode could effectively reduce the interaction effect between caverns. This method has the characteristics of easy data acquisition and strong operability. It could be used to guide design and construction of similar projects .