Underground lined rock caverns (LRCs) used for compressed air energy storage are highly susceptible to cracking and the development of leakage pathways under cyclic high-pressure loading. Therefore

sealing performance and crack control are critical design challenges. This study employs the finite-discrete element method (FDEM) to develop an integrated rock-lining-sealing layer model

to systematically compare flat steel plate and wave-arch liners

as well as to analyze the influence of preset joint design parameters on crack evolution and sealing behavior. The results indicate that flat steel plate liners exhibit elevated stress levels

numerous cracks

and poor structural integrity

while preset joints provide only limited mitigation. In contrast

wave-arch liners significantly reduce peak stress and redistribute cracking

concentrating damage beneath arches

thereby lowering crack density

albeit with locally larger crack widths. A combined wave-arch and preset joint design further uniform crack propagation and alleviates liner stress. Increasing the number of wave arches and preset joints improves stress uniformity and crack control. However

the maximum crack width exhibits a “decrease-increase” trend

accompanied by a transition in liner stress mode from tension-dominated to bending-shear dominated behavior. When joints are placed at arch bottoms

cracks develop uniformly along the preset paths; when combined with waterproofing and drainage measures

leakage risks can be effectively managed. Overall

the wave-arch and preset joint composite design offers notable advantages in guiding crack development

releasing strain

and enhancing sealing reliability

providing a robust reference for coordinated optimization of sealing and lining design in underground LRCs.