Finite element analysis of a pilot gas storage in rock cavern under high pressure

A three-dimensional finite element analysis was performed to simulate field tests at a pilot gas storage project. The storage was a shallow rock cavern lined with a 6 mm thick steel liner. During the tests, high internal pressure up to 52 MPa was applied and deformation of both rock mass and the steel liner was recorded. The maximum rock displacements of less than 6 mm was numerically predicted and fits the measurement very well. The three-dimensional nonlinear finite element modeling has confirmed the overall stability of the structure and revealed the functioning of each structural component, including the rock mass, concrete lining and the steel liner.