Design Study for the European Underground Research Infrastructure related to Advanced Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage

Cavern sealing solutions

Main objective

Development, evaluation, and certification of innovative materials and related construction solutions for the underground gas-storage facility.

Challenges

  • High pressure
  • Structural challenges related to the internal pressure
  • Minimum 25 years lifetime with minimum 1 avern design

Segmented lining solution

Structural stability of the cavern

  • Rock Support stabilization of the cavern:
    • Rock bolts
    • Steel ark and beam
    • Pre grouting/mesh
  • Backfilling: shotcrete

Structural stability for the membrane

  • Grouting: sand or pressurized filling
  • Concrete pre-casted segments: reinforced with pre-stressed steel and/or short fibres
  • Joint filler: rubber seal (embedded in the segments) in combination with rubber cover

Sealing component

  • Sealing membrane: spray able membrane

RICAS