Effects of rock parameters on rock cavern dimensions

When planning to design an underground tunnel construction, it is vital to gather relevant geotechnical data regarding the rock mass condition in order to determine the most suitable orientation of the proposed tunnel. Depending on the orientations of the discontinuities, the tunnel must be excavated in a favourable and stable orientation that will result in minimal failures. Therefore, is important to investigate the stability of the tunnel relative to the joints present in the rock mass. In light of the recent construction of the Jurong Rock Caverns oil storage facility in Singapore, this study focuses on the stability of a supposed excavation of a cavern similar to that of the aforementioned project with respect to varying joint orientations. By identifying ideal joint angles for excavation to take place, it can then offer as a guide for planning tunnel orientations in similar underground projects in the future. Based on the geological data gathered from Bukit Timah Granite as well as the excavation dimensions at the Jurong Rock Caverns, a two-dimensional numerical analysis will be carried out using the DDA-2D software to simulate the changing conditions throughout the excavation process. With the aid of graphical results, the Author aims to identify the joint orientations most favourable for cavern construction.Bachelor of Engineering (Civil