Parametric sensitivity analysis of ground uplift above pressurized underground rock caverns

In this paper, we investigated the effect of design parameters of pressurized underground rock caverns on the safety against ground uplift using a simple mathematical solution. The solution was derived from a limit equilibrium analysis where a straight failure plane to ground surface is assumed above the cavern and shear resistant force on the failure plane induced by cohesion and friction angle of overburden rock mass is considered. Parametric sensitivity analysis considering storage pressure, cavern size, overburden depth, in-situ stress state, and rock physical properties was carried out and an exemplary design chart for a pressurized underground cavern was presented, providing with the preliminary information on the acceptable ranges of storage pressure, cavern depth and radius for the cavern safety against ground uplift.

► The safety against ground uplift above pressurized rock caverns was investigated.
► Sensitivity analysis of design parameters was carried out.
► Significant factors were cover depth, storage pressure, cavern size and stress ratio.
► An exemplary design chart of pressurized rock caverns was proposed.