Open Access

ARTICLE

Numerical Investigation of Influence Factors on Underground Powerhouse Using an Anisotropic Ubiquitous Joint Model

Junfei Dai^1,*, Weijiang Chu^2,3,*, Xiangming Ge^2,3, Qingxiang Meng⁴

1 School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210098, China
2 HydroChina ltasca R&D Center, Hangzhou, 310014, China
3 Huadong Engineering Co. Ltd., Power Construction Corporation, Hangzhou, 310014, China
4 Research Institute of Geotechnical Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China

* Corresponding Authors: Junfei Dai. Email: ; Weijiang Chu. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Multiscale, Multifield, and Continuum-Discontinuum Analysis in Geomechanics )

Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences 2025, 143(3), 3253-3277. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmes.2025.065063

Received 02 March 2025; Accepted 30 May 2025; Issue published 30 June 2025

Abstract

The configuration of underground powerhouses is crucial in pumped-storage hydropower projects, which play a vital role in maintaining grid stability, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources, and managing flood risks. However, geotechnical challenges, such as complex joint orientations, anisotropy in in-situ stress, and rock damage caused by excavation, require thorough stability assessments. This research employs the ubiquitous anisotropic joint model within FLAC3D to investigate the effects of joint dip angle, joint dip direction, and the alignment of in-situ stress on the stability of surrounding rock formations. The key parameters analyzed include joint cohesion, friction angle, and the magnitude of in-situ stress. The numerical results indicate that deformation is minimized when the axis of the powerhouse is aligned with the major principal stress. Furthermore, joint dip angles between 65° and 70° lead to a 50% reduction in both displacement and plastic zone volume. Additionally, angles less than 40° between the joint dip direction and the powerhouse axis enhance stability. These findings provide practical recommendations for optimizing the orientation of powerhouses in geomechanical contexts similar to those characterized by foliated sericite phyllite with moderate joint persistence.

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Keywords

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