Abstract: Energy storage caverns in salt formations of a Jintan salt mine are proposed. The mechanical properties are fundamental aspects of cavern design, stability evaluation. The laminar salt rock samples are systematically studied throughout uniaxial, triaxial, direct shear and split tests. The test results indicate: the Jintan salt rock samples are soft rock mass. The split failure is the major failure mode under the uniaxial compression tests. The shear strength as well as the plasticity under triaxial shear tests is increased. The lenses of other rock type in the salt rock increase the strength of the salt rock and therefore improve the stability of the rock cavern. The interface between the salt rock and other rock type is not a weak zone and its strength is similar to that of salt rock. The strong interface strength is beneficial to the gas storage cavern and its airtight properties.

Key words: Energy Storage Caverns, Salt Rock, Mechanical Properties, Interface, Stability