Influence of complex geological conditions on the in situ stress field of the SK Hydropower Station in Pakistan

Abstract

The Suki–Kinari hydropower station is situated in a landform with high mountains and deep valleys in northwest Pakistan. Affected by some geological conditions such as topography and faults, the in situ stress distribution of the project area is highly complex. To determine the in situ stress associated with this project, hydraulic fracturing in situ stress tests are conducted in four representative boreholes. Generally, the relation of the three principal stresses is σ H > σ z > σ h . However, the measured stress directions associated with the headrace tunnel and the powerhouse area are clearly different. The direction of the maximum horizontal principal stress of the headrace tunnel is NNE–NEE, whereas that of the underground powerhouse area is NNW–NWW. To identify the mechanism responsible for this difference, the present study simulates the stress field in the project area based on the three-dimensional finite element regression analysis method. Two theories are proposed on the basis of the numerical simulation results. On the one hand, the direction of the maximum horizontal principal stress in the rock mass above the valley elevation is controlled mainly by topography. On the other hand, the fault will disturb the stress field, causing noticeable changes in the stress direction and value of the fault-affected zone. By comparing the characteristics of the stress direction distribution at three elevations, the direction of maximum horizontal principal stress of the shallow strata is determined to be affected mainly by the topography and faults, and topography may be the most important factor. Moreover, with an increase in strata depth, the influence of the topography and faults on the stress direction decreases gradually. After reaching a particular strata depth, the direction of maximum horizontal principal stress tends to be the same as that of the regional tectonic stress, i.e., NNE.