Stress Analysis using 3DEC

A case Study

Dr. R. Venugopala Rao

Scientist & Head
Numerical Modeling
National Institute of Rock Mechanics
Kolar Gold Fields - 563 117

Stress Analysis and Design of

UG Powerhouse using
Discontinuum Modeling
Introduction
Objective
Description of the Problem
Geology and Rock Mass Classification
Computational Model
Results and Discussion
Back Analysis & Support Evaluation
Summary and Conclusions

Objective
State of stresses around the excavations
Displacement distribution
Extent of failure zones
Interaction of multiple excavations
Design of support system
Efficacy of Support System through Back
Analysis

Description of the Problem

Machine Hall
Transformer Hall
PS Manifolds
Passage Ducts
Bus Ducts

206x20.4x45.5m
191x16x24m
4.5x5.5m, 6x6m
8.1x8m, 4.6x5.5m
11x8.5m

TRT Manifolds

6.6x8m

Geology and Rockmass

Classification
Q ranges from 1.98 to 10.7
53 discontinuities
* Joint Sets cutting the powerhouse crown at Y=538.5 X=109.5
jset

dip
Amount dd
Direction
org
y
z
spacing
meters num
* Dip Direction with respect to Powerhouse Axis
jset
dip
75
dd
112
org
109.5 538.5 72
spacing
2
num 3

Insitu Stresses
SH

= 1.6 Sv

Sh

= 1.0 Sv

Computational Model
3D Discrete Element Model

250x200x350

Elasto-plastic Constitutive Model

Mohr-Coulomb Joint Constitutive Model
Support Systems
Shotcrete Curved Plate Element
Ribs

Equivalent liner

Rock Bolt-Element with Axial and Shear

Stiffness

Physico-mechanical
Properties
Youngs Modulus Y

= 2.83 9.8 GPa

Poissons ration

= 0.355 GPa

Density

= 2650 kg/m3

UCS of intact rock

= 63 MPa

Mi

= 4.18

Rock Mass parameters (for GSI 60)

Cohesion
Friction Angle

= 3.41 MPa
= 26.2

Physico-mechanical
Properties
Joint Properties
Shear Stiffness JKs

= 0.97 GPa/m

Normal Stiffness JKn

= 10 GPa/m

Cohesion

= 0.0 MPa

Friction

= 25

Tensile Strength

=0

Excavation Sequence &

Support installation

Central Gullet and side slashing with 3.5m

bench height for powerhouse

Bus ducts to be excavated in 5 stages

Pressure shafts &TRT manifolds to be

excavated leaving a ledge of 5m till 500m
EL of PH

Fully grouted Dywidag bolts of 57t

capacity with resin end anchored and pre
tensioned to 12t

Back Analysis & Evaluation

Supports

Rock Bolt Failure

27 bolts at different elevations failed when

Pressure shaft manifold V was opened

Back analysis, review of support system

Causes of rock bolt failure

Summary & Conclusions

The model could predict the behavior satisfactorily

Bolt failure mechanism could be explained

The extents of rock mass failures have been

reduced with the provision of ribs in the cross
openings

With out the ribs in the cross openings, entire pillar

between the MH and TH caverns exhibits failure

The provision of ribs in the cross openings have

reduced the horizontal deformation of the d/s wall.

Summary & Conclusions

Maximum reduction of the order 40% and 55% is observed at

EL EL525M and EL 510m respectively

The reduction in the horizontal deformations in the u/s wall is

lower compared to those on the d/s wall

The maximum reduction of 40% is observed at EL 510. The

reduction in deformation at EL525M on the u/s wall is marginal

The effect of ribs is not seen in service bay area as the cross
openings do not exist there.

The ribs provide immediate and/or rigid support allowing little

deformation, thereby controlling the dilations around the
openings

Summary & Conclusions

The existing support system in the machine hall was

adequate

Further strengthening measures were suggested as follows

1.

8m long dywidag bolts in place of 6m long bolts in bus ducts up to

10m from TC

2.

Rib support of ISMB 250 at 750mm c/c in PS manifolds

3.

Rib support of ISMB 150 at 1.0m c/c in DG from RD 20-80 and

RD 130-155 in u/s wall of machine hall

4.

Rib support of ISMB 150 at 1.0m c/c in DG from RD 70-90 and

RD 125-145 in d/s wall of machine hall