Author(s)

Ajay Kumar Naithani^*, Laishram Gopeshwor Singh, Prasnna Jain

National Institute of Rock Mechanics, Bengaluru, India.

For better rock mass characterization and support design, 3D engineering geological mapping was carried for the heading portion of the under construction 200.00 m long, 68.75 m high and 20.20 m wide underground additional surge pool cavern of a Pranahitha-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi lift irrigation scheme package 8, India. To study cavern behavior, 3D geologic mapping of heading portion is very important for large cavern for predicting geologic conditions in benching down up to invert level, planning support system, selecting inclination for best location of supplemental rock bolt and choosing strategic locations for various types of instrumentation. The assessment of Tunnel Quality Index “Q” and Geomechanics classification for the granitic rock mass was done based on the information available of the rock joints and their nature and 3D geological logging. Hoek-Brown parameters were also determined by the statistical analysis of the results of a set of triaxial tests on core samples. On basis of geological characteristics and NMT Q-system chart, support system is recommended which includes rock bolt, steel fibre reinforced shotcrete and grouting. To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed support system, the capacity of support system is determined.

Engineering Geology, Underground Cavern, Support System, Rock Bolt, Shotcrete

Naithani, A. , Singh, L. and Jain, P. (2017) Rock Mass Characterization and Support Design for Underground Additional Surge Pool Cavern—A Case Study, India. Geomaterials, 7, 64-82. doi: 10.4236/gm.2017.72006.