Time History Analysis for an Underground Powerhouse Structure Considering Soil Interaction

Abstract

Abstract

The project deals with the analysis and design of an underground powerhouse constructed on three different soil types (silty, sandy, clay). Though each powerhouse has mostly similar components and machines but the analysis and design of civil structures in a plant are always done with different ideas and optimized techniques. Hence this paper is based on some new and different considerations in analysis and design aspects and optimization. The objective of this project also lies in knowing the difference between analysis and design of conventional structures and important structures or special structures. There are huge different machines in power house which are subjected to axial thrust as well as vibrations. The structure results are found by means of ‘ANSYS’. Optimum analysis results in optimum design. As earthquake ground shaking affects all structures below ground in case of an underground powerhouse and since some of them must sustain or withstand the strongest earthquake ground motion, they must be designed and checked for different types of design earthquakes. In the seismic design of underground structures, it must be taken into consideration that the earthquake hazard is a multi-hazard, which includes ground shaking, fault movements, mass movements blocking entrances, intakes and outlets, etc. Special problems are encountered in the pressure tunnels due to hydrodynamic pressures and leakage of lining of damaged pressure tunnels. The seismic design and performance criteria of underground structures of hydropower plants are discussed in a qualitative way based on the seismic safety criteria applicable to large dams.

Keywords: ANSYS, conventional structures, underground power house, optimum analysis, special structures

Cite this Article
Sagar Patil, Patil RS, Dr. G. R Gandhe et al. Time History Analysis for an Underground Powerhouse Structure Considering Soil Interaction. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering. 2017; 4(3):    1–6p.