Study on coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in column bentonite test

An unconventional numerical scheme is developed to simulate coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes in partially saturated medium. The non-isothermal, unsaturated fluid flow and mechanical processes are sequentially coupled by updating all the state variables using cellular automaton technique and finite difference method on spatial and temporal scale, respectively. A new cellular automaton updating scheme is proposed by introducing a fast successive relaxation index, which greatly improves the computational efficiency in the simulation of THM coupling process. This is implemented in a self-developed numerical system, i.e., an elasto-plastic cellular automaton (EPCA^3D), which was used to numerically reproduce the coupled THM behavior of bentonite pellets in a column experiment that was heated up to 140 °C firstly and then was hydrated simulating the resaturation of the backfilling. By using the cellular automaton technique in EPCA^3D, the challenging courses of the changing boundary conditions over time and space during the experiment are conveniently implemented. The EPCA^3D was able to reproduce the main physical processes of the in laboratory column bentonite experiment within the heating and hydration phase. The modeling results for the evolution of temperature, relative humidity, water uptake and axial pressure are consistent with the experimental data in terms of trends and magnitudes, which verifies the realistic simulation with the developed model and contributes to a deeper understanding of the observed phenomena.     

Numerical analysis of canister movements in an engineered barrier system

The mid-term safety of deep geological nuclear waste repositories is based in part on the presence of a buffer, the main role of which is to isolate the environment from radionuclides. A design evaluation of such a repository is necessary to assess the potential vertical canister movement inside the drift that could reduce the buffer efficiency. A thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) simulation is performed in a vertical cross-section of the drift. The THM couplings are described, and their influences on the mid-term (300 years) response of the engineered barrier system (EBS) are revealed. This study uses an advanced constitutive model to simulate the THM processes that occur in a specific EBS design case. The near-field simulations of the nuclear waste canister are performed in a two-dimensional finite element configuration that considers the effect of gravity. The focus of this study is on the mechanical behaviour of the buffer, which consists of two different forms of bentonite. Such an approach allows realistic consideration of the effect of the wetting and drying of the buffer material in non-isothermal conditions. Due to a specific design that includes bentonite blocks and pellets, the canister is observed to heave slightly during the re-saturation period, which extends up to 100 years.     

中国高放废物地质处置缓冲材料大型试验台架和热-水-力-化学耦合性能研究

缓冲材料作为高放废物深地质处置库中一道重要的人工屏障,与高放废物容器和处置库围岩直接接触,在高放废物衰变热、辐射作用和地下水等影响下产生复杂的热-水-力-化学耦合作用,为了验证缓冲材料是否能长期有效地发挥其屏障材料的作用,核工业北京地质研究院利用高庙子钠基膨润土组装并运行了模拟中国高放废物地质处置室 尺寸的大型缓冲材料膨润土试验台架（China-Mock-Up）。建立了缓冲材料试验台架的安装和试验方法,依据实测数据和理论分析,揭示了热-水-力-化学耦合作用条件下膨润土中的相对湿度是在加热器的热效应和外部供水的湿效应共同作用下发生变化的,压实膨润土中应力的变化主要是由于膨润土遇水膨胀和加热器的热效应引起的,试验验证了模拟高放废物地质处置室内加热器（废物罐）运行初期的位移过程,为缓冲材料和高放废物地质处置库的设计提供了重要的工程参数和理论依据。     

ATLAS III in situ heating test in boom clay: Field data,observation and interpretation

The ATLAS III small scale in situ heating test aimed at assessing the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) effects on the Boom clay of the significant temperature gradients generated in this host rock as a consequence of the geological disposal of radioactive, heat-emitting wastes. This paper presents data on temperature, pore water pressure and total stress measured during the experiment and highlights several interesting observations regarding the thermal anisotropy and THM coupling in the Boom clay. The test has a simple geometry and well defined boundary conditions, which facilitates the comparison between measurement and numerical modeling studies. These studies included three dimensional coupled THM modeling of the test. The good agreement between measurement and numerical modeling of temperature and pore water pressure yields a set of THM parameters and confirms the thermo-mechanical anisotropy of the Boom clay.     

Modelling the Mont Terri HE-D experiment for the Thermal–Hydraulic–Mechanical response of a bedded argillaceous formation to heating

Coupled thermal–hydrological–mechanical (THM) processes in the near field of deep geological repositories can influence several safety features of the engineered and geological barriers. Among those features are: the possibility of damage in the host rock, the time for re-saturation of the bentonite, and the perturbations in the hydraulic regime in both the rock and engineered seals. Within the international cooperative code-validation project DECOVALEX-2015, eight research teams developed models to simulate an in situ heater experiment, called HE-D, in Opalinus Clay at the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory in Switzerland. The models were developed from the theory of poroelasticity in order to simulate the coupled THM processes that prevailed during the experiment and thereby to characterize the in situ THM properties of Opalinus Clay. The modelling results for the evolution of temperature, pore water pressure, and deformation at different points are consistent among the research teams and compare favourably with the experimental data in terms of trends and absolute values. The models were able to reproduce the main physical processes of the experiment. In particular, most teams simulated temperature and thermally induced pore water pressure well, including spatial variations caused by inherent anisotropy due to bedding.     

An Approach for Modeling Rock Discontinuous Mechanical Behavior Under Multiphase Fluid Flow Conditions

In this paper, the two computer codes TOUGH2 and RDCA (for “rock discontinuous cellular automaton”) are integrated for coupled hydromechanical analysis of multiphase fluid flow and discontinuous mechanical behavior in heterogeneous rock. TOUGH2 is a well-established code for geohydrological analysis involving multiphase, multicomponent fluid flow and heat transport; RDCA is a numerical model developed for simulating the nonlinear and discontinuous geomechanical behavior of rock. The RDCA incorporates the discontinuity of a fracture independently of the mesh, such that the fracture can be arbitrarily located within an element, while the fluid pressure calculated by TOUGH2 can be conveniently applied to fracture surfaces. We verify and demonstrate the coupled TOUGH–RDCA simulator by modeling a number of simulation examples related to coupled multiphase flow and geomechanical processes associated with the deep geological storage of carbon dioxide—including modeling of ground surface uplift, stress-dependent permeability, and the coupled multiphase flow and geomechanical behavior of fractures intersecting the caprock.     

地质系统热-水-力耦合作用的随机建模初步研究

热-水-力(THM)耦合作用是岩石力学与环境地质中的重要基础理论问题,核废料地质处置库周围的缓冲材料和围岩中的热-水-力耦合现象将影响其力学稳定性、热传导性和渗透性,进而影响放射性核素在裂隙岩体中的迁移规律。核废料或放射性废料的地下深埋处置是国际上正在研究的永久性隔离的有效方法之一。因此,对核废料地质处置法安全性评估的一个重要内容就是对裂隙岩体中力学稳定性与构造应力、地下水渗流及热载荷等的耦合作用之数值模拟和评估。这已成为当前刻不容缓的重要的环境影响评价课题。笔者研究了温度场-渗流场-应力场中热传导系数和渗透率以及岩体力学参数的空间变异性,用实验方法研究三场耦合效应及裂隙岩体的场性能等效处理,试图建立热-水-力耦合作用的随机性数学模型及可视化数值模拟方法,为核废料地质处置安全性评估提供直观的新方法。     

Performance evaluation of soil mixtures treated with graphite and used as barrier fill material for high-level radioactive waste repository

Buffer/backfill material is an important engineering barrier in a deep geological repository of high-level radioactive waste (HLW). Its thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) performance is very important for the safe and stable operation of the HLW repository system. Natural graphite powder mixed with sodium bentonite forms a buffer/backfill material that can dissipate heat quickly and provide strong isolation. In this paper, the THM characteristics of bentonite–sand–graphite–polypropylene fiber (BSGF) mixtures, used as a buffer/backfill material, were studied through a series of laboratory tests. The influence of graphite and polypropylene fiber contents on thermal conductivity, swelling pressure, hydraulic conductivity, and strength properties of BSGF mixtures with different sand contents was analyzed. Experimental results indicated that the graphite content, the maximum graphite mesh number, and the initial dry density of bentonite–graphite mixtures influenced the thermal conductivity of bentonite–graphite mixtures. The addition of polypropylene fiber was found to enhance the shear strength and inhibit cracking without significantly affecting the expansivity, permeability, and thermal conductivity of the BSGF mixtures. This study provides a new buffer/backfill material that can improve the stability, functionality, and thermal efficiency of the HLW repository.

     

A Column Experiment to Study the Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Behaviour of Expansive Soils

The study of heat transfer, water flow, and swelling pressure development in engineered clay barriers and the evaluation of the influence of these phenomena on the barrier properties are important issues for predicting the performance of nuclear waste repository facilities. In this work, an experimental setup is presented especially meant to assess the response of the sand–bentonite mixture under conditions close to that of the buffer in a radioactive waste repository. A newly developed column device for laboratory testing of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) behaviour of clay-buffer materials is introduced and its calibration, verification and the first experimental data are presented and discussed. The main features of the column device are: hydraulic and thermal gradients are possible to be applied; water content, suction and temperature development can be measured continuously at three locations along the sample height; swelling stress can be measured at top and the bottom of the sample. Measuring transient temperature, water content and suction simultaneously at the same height levels and with special care to minimise the sample disturbance is one of the advantages of the column device proposed here when compared to that previously reported in the literature. The main objectives of this paper are: (1) to describe the experimental device, (2) to introduce the sensors implemented and their calibration, and (3) to present and discuss the first experimental results obtained with the new equipment. The first experimental results show promise in the ability of the newly developed column device to provide reliable data for assessing the THM behaviour of expansive materials that are foreseen as buffer material in high level waste repositories.     

Study of desaturation and resaturation in brittle rock with anisotropic damage

This paper deals with numerical modelling of anisotropic damage induced by desaturation and resaturation processes in a brittle rock. This study is conducted in the framework of geological barrier safety analysis for deep disposal of nuclear waste. A non-linear poroelastic model coupled with anisotropic damage is proposed for constitutive modelling of unsaturated rock. A fully coupled FEM method is used for modelling of hydromechanical coupling problems. Instantaneous phase change without dissipation between water liquid phase and vapour is included. Parametric studies are performed to investigate influences of main factors involved in such processes. Rock damage induced by excavation, desaturation and resaturation is evaluated. Finally, we analyse the importance of taking into account the correlation between induced damage and rock permeability.     

An explicitly coupled hydro‐geomechanical model for simulating hydraulic fracturing in arbitrary discrete fracture networks

Modeling hydraulic fracturing in the presence of a natural fracture network is a challenging task, owing to the complex interactions between fluid, rock matrix, and rock interfaces, as well as the interactions between propagating fractures and existing natural interfaces. Understanding these complex interactions through numerical modeling is critical to the design of optimum stimulation strategies. In this paper, we present an explicitly integrated, fully coupled discrete‐finite element approach for the simulation of hydraulic fracturing in arbitrary fracture networks. The individual physical processes involved in hydraulic fracturing are identified and addressed as separate modules: a finite element approach for geomechanics in the rock matrix, a finite volume approach for resolving hydrodynamics, a geomechanical joint model for interfacial resolution, and an adaptive remeshing module. The model is verified against the Khristianovich–Geertsma–DeKlerk closed‐form solution for the propagation of a single hydraulic fracture and validated against laboratory testing results on the interaction between a propagating hydraulic fracture and an existing fracture. Preliminary results of simulating hydraulic fracturing in a natural fracture system consisting of multiple fractures are also presented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterizing Excavation Damaged Zone and Stability of Pressurized Lined Rock Caverns for Underground Compressed Air Energy Storage

In this paper, we investigate the influence of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ) on the geomechanical performance of compressed air energy storage (CAES) in lined rock caverns. We conducted a detailed characterization of the EDZ in rock caverns that have been excavated for a Korean pilot test program on CAES in (concrete) lined rock caverns at shallow depth. The EDZ was characterized by measurements of P- and S-wave velocities and permeability across the EDZ and into undisturbed host rock. Moreover, we constructed an in situ concrete lining model and conducted permeability measurements in boreholes penetrating the concrete, through the EDZ and into the undisturbed host rock. Using the site-specific conditions and the results of the EDZ characterization, we carried out a model simulation to investigate the influence of the EDZ on the CAES performance, in particular related to geomechanical responses and stability. We used a modeling approach including coupled thermodynamic multiphase flow and geomechanics, which was proven to be useful in previous generic CAES studies. Our modeling results showed that the potential for inducing tensile fractures and air leakage through the concrete lining could be substantially reduced if the EDZ around the cavern could be minimized. Moreover, the results showed that the most favorable design for reducing the potential for tensile failure in the lining would be a relatively compliant concrete lining with a tight inner seal, and a relatively stiff (uncompliant) host rock with a minimized EDZ. Because EDZ compliance depends on its compressibility (or modulus) and thickness, care should be taken during drill and blast operations to minimize the damage to the cavern walls.     

The use of discrete fracture networks for modelling coupled geomechanical and hydrological behaviour of fractured rocks

We present a discussion of the state-of-the-art on the use of discrete fracture networks (DFNs) for modelling geometrical characteristics, geomechanical evolution and hydromechanical (HM) behaviour of natural fracture networks in rock. The DFN models considered include those based on geological mapping, stochastic generation and geomechanical simulation. Different types of continuum, discontinuum and hybrid geomechanical models that integrate DFN information are summarised. Numerical studies aiming at investigating geomechanical effects on fluid flow in DFNs are reviewed. The paper finally provides recommendations for advancing the modelling of coupled HM processes in fractured rocks through more physically-based DFN generation and geomechanical simulation.     

THM analysis of a large‐scale heating test incorporating material fabric changes

Engineered barriers are basic elements in the design of repositories for the isolation of high‐level radioactive waste. This paper presents the thermo‐hydro‐mechanical (THM) analysis of a clay barrier subjected to heating and hydration. The study focuses on an ongoing large‐scale heating test, at almost full scale, which is being carried out at the CIEMAT laboratory under well‐controlled boundary conditions. The test is intensely instrumented and it has provided the opportunity to study in detail the evolution of the main THM variables over a long period of time. Comprehensive laboratory tests carried out in the context of the FEBEX and NF‐PRO projects have allowed the identification of the model parameters to describe the THM behaviour of the compacted expansive clay. A conventional THM approach that assumes the swelling clay as a single porosity medium has been initially adopted to analyse the evolution of the test. The model was able to predict correctly the global THM behaviour of the clay barrier in the short term (i.e. for times shorter than three years), but some model limitations were detected concerning the prediction of the long‐term hydration rate. An additional analysis of the test has been carried out using a double structure model to describe the actual behaviour of expansive clays. The double structure model explicitly considers the two dominant pore levels that actually exist in the FEBEX bentonite and it is able to account for the evolution of the material fabric. The simulation of the experiment using this enhanced model provides a more satisfactory reproduction of the long‐term experimental results. It also contributes to a better understanding of the observed test behaviour and it provides a physically based explanation for the very slow hydration of the barrier. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

缓冲层热—湿—力耦合作用研究简介

介绍了高放射性废物深地质处置库热－湿－力耦合作用，着重给出了国际高压实缓冲层热－湿－力耦合作用的研究进展，指出与高放射性废物处置库有关的热－湿－力耦合过程研究是核废物地质处置提出的新课题，涉及多学科，需广大有识之士共同合作研究。     

Modeling coupled THM processes of geological porous media with multiphase flow: Theory and validation against laboratory and field scale experiments

A FEM model for analysis of fully coupled multiphase flow, thermal transport and stress/deformation in geological porous media was developed based on the momentum, mass and energy conservation laws of the continuum mechanics and the averaging approach of the mixture theory over a three phase (solid–liquid–gas) system. Six processes (i.e. stress–strain, water flow, gas flow, vapor flow, heat transport and porosity evolution processes) and their coupling effects are considered, which not only makes the problem well-defined, but renders the governing PDEs closed, complete, compact and compatible. Displacements, pore water pressure, pore gas pressure, pore vapor pressure, temperature and porosity are selected as basic unknowns. The physical phenomena such as phase transition, gas solubility in liquid, thermo-osmosis, moisture transfer and moisture swelling are modeled. As a result, the relative humidity and other related variables in porous media can be evaluated on a sounder physical basis. A three dimensional computer code, THYME3D, was developed, with eight degrees of freedom at each node. The laboratory CEA Mock-up test and the field scale FEBEX benchmark test on bentonite performance assessment for underground nuclear waste repositories were used to validate the numerical model and the software. The coupled THM behaviors of the bentonite barriers were satisfactorily simulated, and the effects and impacts of the governing equations, constitutive relations and property parameters on the coupled THM processes were understood in terms of more straightforward interpretation of physical processes at microscopic scale of the porous media. The work developed enables further in-depth research on fully coupled THM or THMC processes in porous media.     

裂隙岩体介质THM耦合问题中的渗透特性研究

在前人就热、液、力三因素各自影响裂隙岩体渗透特性的研究和本文所进行的温度及附加应力作用下单裂隙岩样实验的基础上．综合分析了裂隙岩体THM耦合过程,以裂隙结构面的开度、岩体裂隙数(包括受温度影响开通裂隙数)、裂隙连通率、附加应力、剪切膨胀为研究对象．建立具有THM耦合特性的裂隙岩体渗流系数张量。     

Reduction of Expansive Index,Swelling and Compression Behavior of Kaolinite and Bentonite Clay with Sand and Class C Fly Ash

Swelling behavior of expansive soil has always created problems in the field of geotechnical engineering. Generally, the method used to assess the swelling potential of expansive soil from its plasticity index, shrinkage limit and colloidal content. Alternative way to evaluate swelling behavior is from its expansive index (EI) and swelling pressure value. The present study investigates the reduction of EI and swelling pressure for kaolinite and bentonite clay when mixed with various percentages of Ottawa sand and Class C fly ash. The percentages of Ottawa sand and Class C fly ash used were 0–50 % by weight. The results show that there is a significant reduction in the swelling properties of expansive soil with the addition of Ottawa sand and Class C fly ash. The reduction in EI ranged approximately from 10 to 50 and 4 to 49 % for kaolinite and bentonite clay, respectively. Also the maximum swelling pressure of kaolinite and bentonite clay decreased approximately 93 and 64 %, respectively with the addition of various percentages of Ottawa sand and Class C fly ash. Standard index properties test viz., liquid limit, plastic limit and linear shrinkage test were conducted to see the characteristics of expansive soil when mixed with less expansive sand and fly ash. Also, for these expansive soils one dimensional consolidation test have been conducted with sand and fly ash mixtures and the results were compared with pure kaolinite and bentonite clay.     

Experiment and validation of numerical simulation of coupled thermal,hydraulic and mechanical behaviour in the engineered buffer materials

Evaluation of the coupled heat transfer, water flow and stress changes in the engineered clay barrier is an important issue in the performance assessment of the high‐level radioactive waste disposal. To demonstrate the function of the engineered barrier system, the large‐scale experiment is conducted, which is called Big Bentonite facility (BIG‐BEN). The facility consists of an electric heater surrounded by glass beads, carbon steel overpack, buffer material and man‐made rock. The buffer is a mixture of bentonite and sand. The heater is operated at 0·8 kW. Water is injected from the interface between the buffer and the man‐made rocks at the pressure of 0·05 MPa. The duration of the experiment is 20 months. The change in temperature and swelling pressure are continuously monitored and gravimetric water content is measured by sampling. The coupled thermal, hydraulic and mechanical processes are simulated with a finite element code THAMES, which can simulate the fully coupled phenomena in the saturated and unsaturated clay under anisothermal condition. To examine the validity of the code, all the parameters used in the model are evaluated from the other laboratory tests. The simulated results are compared with the measured ones without calibration of the parameter values using the results from the BIG‐BEN experiment. It can be concluded that the changes in temperature and gravimetric water content within the buffer can be simulated reasonably well and that the mechanical effect such as swelling pressure is difficult to realize. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.