The deformation monitoring data of the middle pier of the Three Gorges permanent shiplock reveals several interesting deformation phenomena. Conclusions and explanations are made concerning the phenomena
based on the finite element analysis and engineering geologic analysis. First
the fluctuation of the horizontal transformations can be attributed to the alternate excavation of the two neighboring shiplock rooms. In addition
the main reasons for the one-side-leaning phenomena in some places are the natural stress
which is not evenly distributed
and the presence of discontinuities. Lastly
the rockmass discontinuities result in the displacement breaks. A valuable reference for studying the ‘individual phenomena’ in geotechnical engineering is provided.