Finite element analysis of sealing plug in oil inlet shaft

Shaft tunnel sealing plug is one of the important structures in water sealed cavern. The plugs ensures the safety of shaft and water seal effect. This paper addresses the basic functions and shape characteristics of sealing plugs, establishing the double-tapered design as the selected configuration. It does finite element calculation, based one oil underground storage project. It analyses the geometry model, underground stress, boundary condition and assumption, to get the oil-inlet-shaft plug and rock mass’ stability. ON the basis of no-relative-slip assumption, it can reach the conclusion that the sealing plugs and rock mass are in safety conditions. To make sure close and tight relation between plugs and rock mass, determination the optimal layout position of sealing plugs is recommended.