Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Geomechanical investigation for abandoned salt caverns used for solid waste disposal

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Using abandoned salt caverns for the disposal of solid wastes is one of the most effective and safest methods to deal with potential hazards caused both by the abandoned caverns and by the solid wastes. To investigate the geomechanical behavior of abandoned salt caverns used for solid waste disposal (alkali wastes), a discrete-continuous coupled method is proposed. In the proposed method, alkali wastes (discrete materials) are simulated using the discrete element method (DEM) while the caverns are simulated using the finite difference method (FDM). This method can overcome the shortcomings of the traditional method of treating the alkali waste as continuous materials with low strength, which cannot accurately depict the interaction between the cavern and alkali waste. Using the proposed method, a 3D geomechanical model is built to investigate the long-term mechanical behaviors of the cavern and alkali waste. The results show that the alkali wastes have significant effects on reducing the cavern convergence while the cavern convergence compacts the alkali wastes. Consequently, the surface subsidence induced by the convergence of the cavern is much smaller than that of a cavern which does not contain alkali wastes. This study provides a prerequisite to evaluate the effect of filling abandoned salt caverns filled with alkali wastes and also can serve as a reference for stability analysis of gas storage salt caverns that contain insolubles.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Andargoli MBE, Shahriar K, Ramezanzadeh A, Goshtasbi K (2019) The analysis of dates obtained from long-term creep tests to determine creep coefficients of rock salt. Bull Eng Geol Environ 78(3):1617–1629

    Google Scholar 

  • Bérest P, Bergues J, Brouard B, Durup JG, Guerber B (2001) A salt cavern abandonment test. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 38(3):357–368

    Google Scholar 

  • Breugnot A, Lambert S, Villard P, Gotteland P (2016) A discrete/continuous coupled approach for modeling impacts on cellular geostructures. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49(5):1831–1848

    Google Scholar 

  • Cao C (2018) Numerical interpretation of transient permeability test in tight rock. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 10(1):32–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Q, Zhang C, Yang C, Ma C, Pan Z (2019a) Effect of fine-grained dipping interlayers on mechanical behavior of tailings using discrete element method. Eng Anal Bound Elem 104:288–299

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen X, Li Y, Liu W, Ma H, Ma J, Shi X, Yang C (2019b) Study on sealing failure of wellbore in bedded salt cavern gas storage. Rock Mech Rock Eng 52(1):215–228

    Google Scholar 

  • Cho KH, Beon MS, Jeong JC (2018) Dynamics of soil salinity and vegetation in a reclaimed area in Saemangeum, Republic of Korea. Geoderma 321:42–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Elcock D, Tomasko D, Veil J, Caudle D (1999) Risk analyses for disposing nonhazardous oil field wastes in salt caverns (no. DOE/BC/W-31-109-ENG-38-7). National Petroleum Technology Office, Tulsa, OK; Argonne National Lab., IL (US)

  • Evans DJ, Holloway S (2009) A review of onshore UK salt deposits and their potential for underground gas storage. Geol Soc Lond, Spec Publ 313(1):39–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Ge X, Li Y, Shi X, Chen X, Ma H, Yang C, Shu C, Liu Y (2019) Experimental device for the study of liquid-solid coupled flutter instability of salt cavern leaching tubing. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 68:168–169

    Google Scholar 

  • Gomes HI, Mayes WM, Rogerson M, Stewart DI, Burke IT (2016) Alkaline residues and the environment: a review of impacts, management practices and opportunities. J Clean Prod 112:3571–3582

    Google Scholar 

  • Hein R (2017) A discrete-continuous method of mechanical system modelling. Pol Marit Res 24(s1):97–107

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoather HA, Challinor D (1994) The use of salt cavities for the disposal of wastes. SMRI Fall Mtg, 325

  • Itasca Consulting Group, Inc (2010) FLAC3D users’ manual. Itasca Consulting Group, Inc., Minneapolis

    Google Scholar 

  • Itasca Consulting Group, Inc (2014) PFC3D users’ manual. Itasca Consulting Group, Inc., Minneapolis

    Google Scholar 

  • Ji GD, Yang CH, Xu YL, Zong XL, Zuo JJ (2014) Laboratory test study of sedimentation and consolidation behaviors of alkali waste backfill in salt caverns. Rock Soil Mech 35(2):407–412

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang M, Peng D, Ooi JY (2017) DEM investigation of mechanical behavior and strain localization of methane hydrate bearing sediments with different temperatures and water pressures. Eng Geol 223:92–109

    Google Scholar 

  • Kasikowski T, Buczkowski R, Dejewska B, Peszyńska-Białczyk K, Lemanowska E, Igliński B (2004) Utilization of distiller waste from ammonia-soda processing. J Clean Prod 12(7):759–769

    Google Scholar 

  • Li J (2007) Transient radial movement of a confined leaky aquifer due to variable well flow rates. J Hydrol 333(2–4):542–553

    Google Scholar 

  • Li YP, Yang CH, Shi XL (2012) Controlling and safety evaluation of cavernous gas storage cavity. Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, She CX, Jiao XL (2017) A new method for simulating rockfill roller compaction using particle flow code. Rock Soil Mech 38(10):3029–3038

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu YD, Wang W (2002) Reformation for fill well using mud of calcium and magnesium for brine purity. China Well Rock Salt 33(2):28–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu W, Chen J, Jiang DY, Shi XL, Li YP, Daemen JJK, Yang CH (2016) Tightness and suitability evaluation of abandoned salt caverns served as hydrocarbon energies storage under adverse geological conditions (AGC). Appl Energy 178:703–720

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu W, Zhang ZX, Chen J, Fan JY, Jiang DY, Daemen JJK, Li YP (2019) Physical simulation of construction and control of two butted-well horizontal cavern energy storage using large molded rock salt specimens. Energy 185:682–694

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu W, Zhang ZX, Chen J, Jiang DY, Wu F, Fan JY, Li YP (2020) Feasibility evaluation of large-scale underground hydrogen storage in bedded salt rocks of China: a case study in Jiangsu province. Energy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.117348

  • Long HR, Lin ZS (2011) The ground subsidence due to the mining of salt mine in Huichang. The Chinese newspaper of land and resources,1 January p1

  • Matthews DA, Effler SW (2003) Decreases in pollutant loading from residual soda ash production waste. Water Air Soil Pollut 146(1–4):55–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Ngo DT, Pellet FL (2018) Numerical modeling of thermally-induced fractures in a large rock salt mass. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 10(5):844–855

    Google Scholar 

  • Ni XD, Zhu CM, Wang Y (2015) Analyzing the behavior of seepage deformation by three-dimensional coupled continuum-discontinuum methods. China Civ Eng J 48(z1):159–165

    Google Scholar 

  • Norton F (1929) Creep of steel at high temperatures. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Qian JH, Yin ZZ (1996) Geotechnical principles and calculations, Second edn. China Water Power Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Ren J, Chen J, Han L, Wang M, Yang B, Du P, Li F (2018) Spatial distribution of heavy metals, salinity and alkalinity in soils around bauxite residue disposal area. Sci Total Environ 628:1200–1208

    Google Scholar 

  • Rouabhi A (2019) Phenomenological behavior of rock salt: on the influence of laboratory conditions on the dilatancy onset. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng (Online)

  • Schneider HJ (1988) Geotechnical requirements of subsurface repositories in mines, rock and salt caverns for interim or final disposal of hazardous wastes. Bull Int Assoc Eng Geol-Bull l’Association Int Géol l’Ingénieur 37(1):71–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Shi X, Li Y, Yang C, Xu Y, Ma H, Liu W, Ji G (2015) Influences of filling abandoned salt caverns with alkali wastes on surface subsidence. Environ Earth Sci 73(11):6939–6950

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh RP (2001) Effect of wastewater disposal and extent of industrial pollution in and around Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Bull Eng Geol Environ 60(1):31–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Veil JA (1997) Costs for off-site disposal of nonhazardous oil field wastes: salt caverns versus other disposal methods (no. DOE/BC--97008692). Argonne National Lab, Lemont

    Google Scholar 

  • Veil J, Elcock D, Raivel M, Caudle D, Ayers RC Jr, Grunewald B (1996) Preliminary technical and legal evaluation of disposing of nonhazardous oil field waste into salt caverns (no. ANL/EA/RP--87713). Argonne National Lab, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Veil JA, Smith KP, Tomasko D, Elcock D, Blunt D, Williams GP (1998) Disposal of NORM-contaminated oil field wastes in salt caverns (no. ANL/EA/RP-95862). Argonne National Lab., Lemont

    Google Scholar 

  • Villard P, Chevalier B, Le Hello B, Combe G (2009) Coupling between finite and discrete element methods for the modelling of earth structures reinforced by geosynthetic. Comput Geotech 36(5):709–717

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang F, Xu ZQ, Yan LX, Cao P (2007) Study on test methods and geotechnical properties of soda residue. Chin J Geotech Eng 29(8):1211–1214

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang T, Ding S, Wang H, Yang C, Shi X, Ma H, Daemen J (2018a) Mathematic modelling of the debrining for a salt cavern gas storage. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2018(50):205–214

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang T, Ma H, Shi X, Yang C, Zhang N, Li J, Ding S, Daemen J (2018b) Salt cavern gas storage in an ultra-deep formation in Hubei, China. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 102:57–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang T, Yang C, Chen J, Daemen J (2018c) Geomechanical investigation of roof failure of China’s first gas storage salt cavern. Eng Geol 2018(243):59–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang T, Yang C, Wang H, Ding S, Daemen J (2018d) Debrining prediction of a salt cavern used for compressed air energy storage. Energy 147:464–476

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang T, Li J, Jing G, Zhang Q, Yang C, Daemen J (2019) Determination of the maximum allowable operating pressure for a gas storage underground salt cavern-a case study of Jintan, China. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 11(2):251–262

    Google Scholar 

  • Warren JK (2006) Evaporites: sediments, resources and hydrocarbons. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Berlin

  • Wu ZG, Luo L (2011) Practice of mining rock-salt by using soda ash residue to exploit abandoned solution cavity. Chem Miner Process 11:29–31

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu YL, Yang CH, Chen F, Li YP, Ji GD (2014) Experimental study on one-dimensional settlement of alkali wastes backfilled to abandoned salt caverns. Chin J Geotech Eng 36(3):589–596

    Google Scholar 

  • Yager, R. M. (2000). Simulation of land subsidence in glacial aquifer system above a salt mine collapse in New York, USA. In: Land subsidence: proceedings of the sixth international symposium on land subsidence, Ravenna, Italia (Vol. 9, pp. 24-29)

  • Yan Y, Qi F, Seshadri B, Xu Y, Hou J, Ok YS, Bolan N (2016) Utilization of phosphorus loaded alkaline residue to immobilize lead in a shooting range soil. Chemosphere 162:315–323

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin H, Yang C, Ma H, Shi X, Chen X, Zhang N et al (2018) Study on damage and repair mechanical characteristics of rock salt under uniaxial compression. Rock Mech Rock Eng:1–13

  • Zhang G, Wu Y, Wang L, Zhang K, Daemen JJ, Liu W (2015) Time-dependent subsidence prediction model and influence factor analysis for underground gas storages in bedded salt formations. Eng Geol 187:156–169

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang G, Wang L, Wu Y, Li Y, Yu S (2017a) Failure mechanism of bedded salt formations surrounding salt caverns for underground gas storage. Bull Eng Geol Environ 76(4):1609–1625

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang N, Shi X, Wang T, Yang C, Liu W, Ma H, Daemen JJK (2017b) Stability and availability evaluation of underground strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) caverns in bedded rock salt of Jintan, China. Energy 134:504–514

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang G, Wang Z, Zhang K, Li Y, Wu Y, Chen Y, Zhang H (2018) Collapse mechanism of the overlying strata above a salt cavern by solution mining with double-well convection. Environ Earth Sci 77(16):588

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang G, Wang Z, Wang L, Chen Y, Wu Y, Ma D, Zhang K (2019) Mechanism of collapse sinkholes induced by solution mining of salt formations and measures for prediction and prevention. Bull Eng Geol Environ 78(3):1401–1415

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang N, Shi XL, Zhang Y, Shan PF (2020a) Tightness analysis of underground natural gas and oil storage caverns with limit pillar widths in bedded rock salt. IEEE Access:12130–12145

  • Zhang N, Liu W, Zhang Y, Shan PF, Shi XL (2020b) Microscopic pore structure of surrounding rock for underground strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) caverns in bedded rock salt. Energies. 13(7):1565

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors are sincerely grateful to Prof. Jaak J Daemen, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, for his thoughtful proofreading of this paper.

Funding

The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51774266 and 51741410), National Natural Science Foundation of China Innovative Research Team (No. 51621006), Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS (Grant No. 2019324), Natural Science Foundation for Innovation Group of Hubei Province, China (No. 2016CFA014), and National Key Research and Development Program of China (Nos. 2017YFC0804601 and 2018YFC0808403).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China

    Xilin Shi, Hongling Ma, Yinping Li, Tongtao Wang & Chao Zhang

  2. State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China

    Qinglin Chen

Authors
  1. Xilin Shi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Qinglin Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Hongling Ma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yinping Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Tongtao Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Chao Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Qinglin Chen.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Shi, X., Chen, Q., Ma, H. et al. Geomechanical investigation for abandoned salt caverns used for solid waste disposal. Bull Eng Geol Environ 80, 1205–1218 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-020-02013-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-020-02013-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation