ABSTRACT
Pumped Storage Schemes (PSPs) stabilize grids but face pressure oscillations from hydraulic transients, posing challenges for resistance verification and fatigue assessment of hydraulic tunnel linings, particularly for reinforced concrete, where fatigue is often overlooked. This paper presents the structural fatigue design approach for the reinforced concrete lining of the Inclined Pressure Shaft (IPS) in the 2,200 MW Snowy 2.0 Scheme in Australia. The 10 m-diameter shaft will endure extreme conditions, including static water pressure of ~75 bar and millions of pressure cycles up to ±25 bar during transients over its 150-year lifespan. A novel model was developed to evaluate the lining’s behavior during transients, addressing gaps in existing literature focused on steady-state conditions. This model offers critical insights for the fatigue design of hydraulic tunnel linings, significantly advancing understanding of their performance under dynamic loads.
