Fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical model with oversaturation and its validation to experimental data from FEBEX experiment

0537468 - ÚGN 2022 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Michalec, Zdeněk - Blaheta, Radim - Hasal, Martin - Ligurský, Tomáš
Fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical model with oversaturation and its validation to experimental data from FEBEX experiment.
International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. Roč. 139, March 2021 (2021), č. článku 104567. ISSN 1365-1609. E-ISSN 1873-4545
EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 847593 - EURAD
Institutional support: RVO:68145535
Keywords : modelling of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes * specific aspects of THM processes in bentonite * oversaturation * implementation via COMSOL Multiphysics * analysis of the large scale FEBEX experiment
OECD category: Nuclear related engineering
Impact factor: 6.849, year: 2021
Method of publishing: Limited access
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1365160920309333?via%3Dihub

The paper is devoted to the formulation of a mathematical model which enables analysis of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes with a special focus on processes in bentonite and bentonite-based sealing barriers which are component of designs of deep geological repositories for a high-level radioactive waste including the spent nuclear fuel. Such modelling is important as the analysis of coupled THM processes in the near field is crucial for the understanding of the long-term behaviour of the barriers. The developed model uses generally available data from standard tests but attempts to incorporate special characteristics of the bentonite behaviour, let us mention the oversaturation, swelling and strong couplings of the processes. The model is implemented via
COMSOL Multiphysics and validated by the simulation of THM processes which were monitored during operation of the FEBEX experiment and analysed during two dismantling phases of the experiment.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0315257