Modeling large underground structures in rock formations

Abstract

A methodology for jointed rock mass characterization starts with a research based on geological data and tests in order to define the geotechnical models used to support the decision about location, orientation and shape of cavities. Afterwards a more detailed characterization of the rock mass is performed allowing the update of the geomechanical parameters defined in the previous stage. The observed results can be also used to re-evaluate the geotechnical model using inverse methodologies. Cases of large underground structures modeling are presented. The first case concerns the modeling of cavities in volcanic formations. Then, an application to a large station from the Metro do Porto project developed in heterogeneous granite formations is also presented. Finally, the last case concerns the modeling of large cavities for a hydroelectric powerhouse complex. The finite element method and finite difference method software used is acquired from Rocscience and ITASCA, respectively.