An excavation method for large vertical cylindrical caverns

Construction of underground storage chambers in rock has traditionally adopted a construction-oriented approach; the cavern design and the method of excavation have been governed by the capabilities of the equipment available. One example is oil storage in unlined horizontal caverns. Today, however, equipment is no longer a limiting factor. The time has come to integrate the construction and operational aspects in the design process. This paper presents a construction concept developed for large vertical rock caverns with a circular or elliptical horizontal cross-section. The method of excavation, called PBM (Pillar Blasting Method), is condensed into a few main operations which are geometrically separated but overlapping in time. PBM is characterized by two main working sites per cavern, and by long-hole bench-drilling, massive blasting rounds, continuous loading and easy ventilation. Recent developments in drilling and blasting techniques are incorporated, such as the water-driven in-the-hole hammer and the electronic ignition system. PBM enables a high rate of excavation and provides a satisfactory working environment with respect to labour safety and human health (a limited exposure to large openings, no exposure to oil mist and to combustion and explosive fumes, etc). Considerable construction cost savings and time savings may thus be achieved compared to conventional methods of excavation for vertical and horizontal caverns of equal storage volume. A preliminary PCT patent (application No PCT/SE95/00324) has been granted. Examples of applications are fresh-water reservoirs, natural gas reservoirs, subsurface hydroelectric pump power plants, and similar objects which require a large underground storage space in preferably unlined rock caverns.