Modelling the three-dimensional behaviour of a prototype nuclear waste repository

Cleall, Peter John ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4005-5319, Melhuish, Troy Alexander and Thomas, Hywel Rhys ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3951-0409 2006. Modelling the three-dimensional behaviour of a prototype nuclear waste repository. Engineering Geology 85 (1-2) , pp. 212-220. 10.1016/j.enggeo.2005.09.045

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Abstract

This paper presents a study of the full three-dimensional thermo/hydro/mechanical behaviour of SKB's Prototype Repository experiment. In particular, the three-dimensional interaction of the multiple barrier system, which includes MX-80 bentonite buffer with the host rock is investigated. These materials are subjected to a steep thermal gradient representing the heat produced by highlevel nuclear waste. A hydraulic gradient is also present due to the host rock acting as a source of water. The simulation is achieved via the application of the numerical code, COMPASS, which implements a coupled thermo/hydro/mechanical approach to model the behaviour of saturated/unsaturated media. These patterns of behaviour require a large three-dimensional model in order to represent the non-symmetrical, complex geometry of the proposed repository. A range of simulation results is presented detailing the thermal–hydraulic–mechanical behaviour of the Prototypeinteraction occurring Repository. Attention has also been given to the micro–macro interaction occurring within the MX-80 bentonite buffer as the material begins to saturate and swell

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Engineering
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	numerical modelling ; large scale test ; bentonite ; nuclear waste repository ; coupled flow
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	00137952
Last Modified:	17 Oct 2022 09:05
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/2020

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