• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.154-166
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• 2004

A numerical stability analysis was conducted on the large oil storage caverns excavated in a rock mass under high initial horizonal stress. The behaviors of the surrounding rock mass, rockbolts, and shotcrete were analyzedr and stability of the support members were assessed. For a proper support system design, the effect of the modelling technique, cavern shape and rockbolt length on the stability of the cavern was investigated. Results show that installation timing of supports and the change in cavern shape due to stepwise excavation affect the stress induced in support members. Also found was desperate need for a numerical technique which can properly reflect the behavior of the steel fiber reinforced shotcrete.