Development of a large-scale 3D physical model test system for underground energy storage caverns and its model experimental study
CHEN Weizhong1*, LIU Xinyu1, 2, YANG Jianping1, WANG Wei1, 2, ZANG Zhonghai3, DING Hongyuan3, ZHANG Zheyuan3, WANG Xiaogang3, SHI Zhengrong1
(1. State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Safety, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China; 2. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
3. WSGRI Engineering and Surveying Incorporation Limited, Wuhan, Hubei 430080, China)
Abstract：To elucidate the cooperative bearing mechanism and failure characteristics of surrounding rock-lining structures in underground energy storage caverns subjected to high internal pressure, a large-scale three-dimensional physical model test system was developed. This system comprises a dual-servo internal pressure loading subsystem, a true-triaxial multi-segment confining pressure loading subsystem, a hydraulic servo self-balanced axial sealing subsystem, and a distributed optical fiber monitoring subsystem. It is capable of achieving a continuously adjustable internal water pressure ranging from 0 to 12 MPa, controllable confining stiffness, and axial boundary constraints. Using a lined rock cavern for underground hydrogen storage as a case study, a scaled physical model test was designed and executed, yielding multi-field responses, including internal pressure, confining pressure, lining displacement, and circumferential strain. The test results indicate that the composite lining remains globally stable when the internal water pressure reaches 10 MPa, with only a few controllable microcracks, each less than 0.3 mm in width, appearing in localized zones. The cooperative bearing of the surrounding rock effectively restrains radial deformation and crack propagation in the lining. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system meticulously captures the evolution from the elastic stage to the cracking stage of the composite lining. The proposed test system effectively replicates the high-pressure loading and surrounding rock-lining interaction in underground energy storage caverns, providing a high-fidelity experimental platform and essential testing techniques for the design and safety assessment of underground energy storage projects.
陈卫忠1*，刘辛宇1，2，杨建平1，王 伟1，2，臧中海3，丁洪元3，张哲元3，王小刚3，施峥嵘1. 地下储能人工硐室大型三维物理模型试验系统研制及其模型试验研究[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报, 2026, 45(6): 1615-1628.
CHEN Weizhong1*, LIU Xinyu1, 2, YANG Jianping1, WANG Wei1, 2, ZANG Zhonghai3, DING Hongyuan3, ZHANG Zheyuan3, WANG Xiaogang3, SHI Zhengrong1. Development of a large-scale 3D physical model test system for underground energy storage caverns and its model experimental study. , 2026, 45(6): 1615-1628.
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2026, Vol. 45 
