APPLICATION OF DISTINCT ELEMENT METHOD ANALYSIS TO LARGE-SCALE UNDERGROUND CAVERN EXCAVATION

Abstract

The behavior of discontinuity, which includes fault and joint, existing in rock mass is considered to give the great effect on the deformation and stability of surrounding rock mass during excavation of large-scale underground cavern. In this paper, the excavation simulation and stability evaluation are carried out by using distinct element method (DEM). The geometrical distribution of joints is also considered in the modelling based on the geological investigations and modified according to the new observation during the cavern excavation process. The numerical analysis indicated that the joint orientation around the cavern influences the deformational behavior and stability significantly.