Finite element simulation on excavating process of surge tank in Miaolin hydropower station

This paper focuses on numerical computation and simulation of main stress distribution on excavating process of surge tank Elastic-plastic FEM model of surge tank is build and yield rule of surrounding rock is analyzed acting on geological condition and constructing scheme. 3D FEM model is created; and numerical computation and simulation process is divided to nine steps in terms of excavating plan. The paper gains 3D main stress distribution contours of very excavating step, principal stress curves on specified edge of surge tank, and other important mechanics parameters. Simulation results indicate that excavating plan is feasible and reasonable mostly, but there are some shortages which should be deal with carefully based on analysis report.