Geotechnical Evaluation of Lakhwar Underground Powerhouse, Uttrakhand Himalaya, India

The stability of underground excavations is dependent on the conditions of rock mass, in situ stress and distribution pattern of structural discontinuities of the area. This chapter discusses the stability status of the Lakhwar underground powerhouse in Himalaya using RMR and Q System to predict rock load and support requirements. Boundary Element Method (BEM) has been used to examine the stress distribution around the machine hall cavity to estimate the stability. In addition, the stability of the powerhouse has also been studied. Based on these analyses, suggestions on suitable support system for the power house are made.