Rock long-term strength parameters determination of a salt cavern gas storage

In order to determine the long-term mechanical properties of surrounding rock of salt cavern gas storage, long tri-axial creep test studies on rock salt of the field were carried out. Based on the test data, long-term strength of rock salt was determined, and comparatively analysis was conducted combined with of the instantaneous test. The study results show that: Considering the axial strain, radial strain and volumetric strain to determine the long-term strength of rock salt can ensure reliability of the results. Under the same condition, the less salt content, the value of long-term strength is higher. Tri-axial creep process has a different effect degree between cohesion and internal friction angle; it is more sensitive to cohesion. The strain limit should be considered for the stability analysis of multi-bedded salt cavern gas storage construction and pay more attention about the mechanical properties of the interlayer parts. The study results provide references for researching the surrounding rock long-term mechanical properties of salt cavern gas storage.