Geotechnical Analysis of Powerhouse Cavern

(Finite Element Method)

Summer Internship Report

Vijay Nehra 09113102

Objectives
Understanding the basics of Rock Engineering and the Structural Components of a Hydroelectric Power Project. Geotechnical Analysis of Underground Power House Caverns via:
1. 2. Finite Element Method. Tunnel Support Measures at excavations in weak rock classes: I. Rock Bolts. II. Shotcrete.

Modeling various structural Elements using Auto-Cad.

Various Components of a Powerhouse

The Hydroelectric Power Station has these Structural elements
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Surge Shafts. Pen Stocks. Cavern. Turbines. Various Ventilation Adits and Gates to control the power generation.
AutoCAD 2011

Geological Strength Index

Devepoled by Hoek and Brown (1994) and is based on the Index that they invented Geological Strength Index (GSI) . It is the same index on which present day calculations are performed assuming the practical conditions.

Excavations in the Weak Rock

Support Measures Applied a combination of Rock Bolts Shotcrete

The Analysis using FEM Analysis and Software Phase2

The Software provides us an interface to analyze the caverns or tunnels either considering rock to be plastic or elastic. The corresponding residual values can be mentioned if the bolt, lining or the rock elements yield.

Finished model Phase2

Steps
1. Create boundaries 2. External boundaries 3. Discretize 4. Meshing 5. Define Boundary conditions 6. Define Field Stresses 7. Define Material properties 8. Excavate 9. Compute 10. Interpret

Material Properties:
Elastic properties: Poissons ratio Cohesion Initial element loading Youngs modulus Strength Parameters: Failure Criterion Material Type Field Stresses: Sigma 1 Sigma 3 Sigma Z Angle =0.2 =12 Mpa =Field stresses only =20,000 Mpa

=Mohr Coulomb =Elastic

=20, =10 =10 =(+)30

Stress block

1. Principal Stresses:

Contours of Major Principal Stress

Principal stress on excavation boundary

Principal stress on excavation boundary

2. Strength Factor:

Total displacement contours, with deformation vectors and deformed boundaries displayed.

Excavation in Weak RockThis will be illustrated by the following support conditions I. Unsupported Excavation II. With Bolts only III. With Bolts & Shotcrete

Data Assumed: Sigma 1 Sigma 3 Sigma Z Angle

=12 MPa =8 =10 =()35 degrees

Elastic Properties: Rock Type Initial Element Loading Youngs Modulus Poissons Ratio UCS (Compressive Strength)

=Phyllite =Field Stresses only =1120 Mpa =0.3 =50 Mpa

Define Material Properties Dialog Box

Finished model Phase2

Elastic Analysis

Strength Factor Contours (elastic analysis)

Displacement contours (Elastic Analysis)

Plastic Analysis
Maximum Total Displacement = 0.0961 m Yielded Elements= 583

Strength factor contours and yielded elements, for unsupported excavation. 583 yielded finite elements, after Plastic Analysis.

Case II: With Bolts.

Bolt properties

Bolt pattern used (Radial outwards)

Maximum Total Displacement = 0.080 m Yielded Elements= 547

Strength factor contours and yielded elements, for excavation with pattern bolt support Only. 547 yielded finite elements, after Plastic Analysis.

Case III: With Bolts & Shotcrete.

Comparison: Strength factor contours and yielded elements

Comparison: Total displacement contours and vectors

Comparison:

Yielded finite elements Unsupported With Bolts With Bolts & Shotcrete 583 547 367

Yielded bolt elements --205 161

Maximum Total Displacement 9.61 mm 8.00 mm 5.39 mm

Conclusions
Got exposure to my fields of interest, that is, Rock Engineering and non-conventional sources of energy. Understood the concept of finite element method. Moreover, training provided me with an opportunity to be among the countrys most hardworking and knowledgeable engineers.

Thank You!