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A Novel Large-Scale Three-Dimensional Physical Model Experimental System for Deep Underground Engineering

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Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study introduces a novel large three-dimensional physical model experimental system (PMES) for studying the geomechanical problems related to deep underground engineering. The apparatus is mainly composed of a counterforce frame, a hydraulic loading subsystem, a sample installation and transportation subsystem, an excavation subsystem, an integrated monitoring subsystem, and auxiliary facilities. During the design and development of the PMES apparatus, key technological issues were addressed. A high-stiffness frame structure with opening and closing function was developed. Uniform, gradient, and designed non-uniform stresses can be applied with high accuracy. An independent long-term load-holding unit and a surface dynamic disturbance unit were designed. The basic and innovative functions of the apparatus were verified through calibration experiments. A large physical model experiment was conducted to simulate the excavation of a deep-buried drainage tunnel in China’s Jinping-II hydropower station. The experiment obtained the failure processes of the surrounding rock masses induced by high in-situ stress, specific engineering geological structures and excavation disturbance. The internal fracturing and strain evolution within the sample were successfully captured by the integrated monitoring subsystem. The results also validated the reliability of this novel apparatus. The development of this novel apparatus provides a new tool for the study of geomechanical problems in deep underground engineering.

Highlights

  • A novel large three-dimensional physical model experimental system for studying the geomechanical problems related to deep underground engineering was established.

  • The basic and innovative functions of the apparatus were verified through calibration experiments.

  • A large physical model experiment was conducted to simulate the excavation of a deep tunnel in China’s Jinping-II hydropower station.

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Acknowledgements

The authors sincerely acknowledge the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 51839003, the 111 Project under Grant No. B17009 and the Liao Ning Revitalization Talents Program under Grant No. XLYCYSZX1902.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Safe Mining of Deep Metal Mines, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China

    Xia-Ting Feng, Zheng-Wei Li, Shi-Ming Mei, Jun Tian, Cheng-Xiang Yang, Zhi-Bin Yao & Ji-Kai Gao

  2. Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Deep Engineering and Intelligent Technology, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China

    Xia-Ting Feng, Zheng-Wei Li, Shi-Ming Mei, Jun Tian, Cheng-Xiang Yang, Zhi-Bin Yao & Ji-Kai Gao

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  1. Xia-Ting Feng
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  2. Zheng-Wei Li
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  3. Shi-Ming Mei
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  4. Jun Tian
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  5. Cheng-Xiang Yang
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  6. Zhi-Bin Yao
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  7. Ji-Kai Gao
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Correspondence to Xia-Ting Feng.

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Feng, XT., Li, ZW., Mei, SM. et al. A Novel Large-Scale Three-Dimensional Physical Model Experimental System for Deep Underground Engineering. Rock Mech Rock Eng 56, 8395–8413 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-023-03495-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-023-03495-w

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