rock chamber
Quick Summary
Rock chambers are large underground spaces excavated in rock for various purposes, primarily driven by the needs of hydroelectric-power plants. While the concept originated in the United States, Swedish engineers significantly developed the idea, excavating large chambers to house hydraulic machinery. This innovation led to the widespread adoption of underground power plants globally.12
The economic feasibility of large rock chambers relies on the rock's ability to support itself, forming a durable arch with minimal artificial support. Excavation typically involves drilling and blasting, starting from a horizontal tunnel at the top and progressing downwards. The strength and stability of the rock mass, influenced by joints, faults, and other geological features, are critical considerations, often evaluated through the field of rock mechanics. Advantages of underground chambers include lower costs in certain climates, reduced risk from natural disasters and bombing, and preservation of scenic environments.123
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tunnels and underground excavationsGeologic investigationFor large rock chambers and also particularly large tunnels, the problems increase so rapidly with increasing opening size that adverse geology can make the project impractical or at least tremendously costly. Hence, the concentrated opening areas of these projects are invariably investigated during the design stage by…
Read MoreFor large rock chambers and also particularly large tunnels, the problems increase so rapidly with increasing opening size that adverse geology can make the project impractical or at least tremendously costly. Hence, the concentrated opening areas of these projects are invariably investigated during the design stage by…
Read More- tunnels and underground excavationsRock bolts
…support for large tunnels and rock chambers with spans up to 100 feet. Bolts are commonly sized from 0.75 to 1.5 inches and function to create a compression across rock fissures, both to prevent the joints opening and to create resistance to sliding along the joints. For this they are…
Read More…support for large tunnels and rock chambers with spans up to 100 feet. Bolts are commonly sized from 0.75 to 1.5 inches and function to create a compression across rock fissures, both to prevent the joints opening and to create resistance to sliding along the joints. For this they are…
Read More - tunnels and underground excavationsRock chambers
While chambers in 1971 were being excavated in rock to fulfill a wide variety of functions, the main stimulus to their development had come from hydroelectric-power-plant requirements. Though the basic concept originated in the United States, where the world’s first underground hydroplants were…
Read MoreWhile chambers in 1971 were being excavated in rock to fulfill a wide variety of functions, the main stimulus to their development had come from hydroelectric-power-plant requirements. Though the basic concept originated in the United States, where the world’s first underground hydroplants were…
Read More - tunnels and underground excavationsPotential applications
The use of rock chambers for underground hydroplants seems certain to increase in most countries, particularly those in which until recently surface plants have been favoured because of their apparently lower cost. Scotland has been one of the first countries to recognize that extra construction cost can often…
Read MoreThe use of rock chambers for underground hydroplants seems certain to increase in most countries, particularly those in which until recently surface plants have been favoured because of their apparently lower cost. Scotland has been one of the first countries to recognize that extra construction cost can often…
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