Performance Assessment and Optimization of Seepage Control System for Wunonglong Underground Powerhouse Cavern System

The problem of seepage control is faced in the construction of large underground powerhouse cavern systems. To reduce leakage and improve the permeability stability of the surrounding rock, a complex seepage control system, including drainage hole arrays, drainage tunnels, and grouting curtains, was designed for the Wunonglong underground powerhouse caverns. In this study, we performed a seepage field numerical analysis of the Wunonglong underground powerhouse caverns system to optimize the seepage control system. A three-dimensional numerical model was established considering the complex seepage control system and the geological conditions. A steady seepage analysis method, with a variational inequality formulation, was adopted in order to calculate the long-term seepage field. A drainage substructure method was used to simulate the seepage behavior of the densely arranged drainage hole arrays. The seepage control effects of single and double grouting curtains were compared to determine a reasonable curtain layout scheme. The effect of the drainage system on the seepage control of the powerhouse caverns is further discussed. The findings offer reliable insights into the seepage behavior of underground powerhouse caverns and provide a reference for the design and construction of similar underground powerhouse cavern systems.