Work

Experimental study on the sealing plug structure of underground lined caverns for compressed air energy storage

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The underground lined cavern represents a pivotal element within the broader framework of compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems. Given the necessities for construction access and operational sealing, each cavern must be fitted with one or more sealing plugs. The complex mechanical behavior of these plugs presents significant obstacles to structural design. In this study, the interfacial mechanical properties of the plug and the surrounding rock are the primary focus of an experimental investigation of four typical sealing plug configurations. The findings indicate that the wedge-shaped plug maximally exploits rock-bearing capacity, exhibits superior load resistance, and effectively preserves deformation compatibility at the plug-rock interface. The results establish a theoretical basis for designing sealing plugs in underground lined caverns, presenting considerable engineering significance.

Source: Construction and Building Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.144152

Authors: Jie QU, Guanhua Sun, Lu Shi, Xianyang YU, Jiao Wang

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Rock Mechanics and Modeling

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,540