Modeling Desiccation Cracks in Opalinus Clay at Field Scale with the Phase-Field Approach

InterPore journal., Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 1(1), P. ipj260424 - 7

Published: May 3, 2024

Geological materials such as Opalinus Clay show complex coupled hydro-mechanical behavior at laboratory and field scales. In the context of radioactive waste disposal, in-situ excavations might remain open for ventilation operation decades and, consequently, be susceptible to environmental changes desaturation. The saturation can then lead mechanical deformation desiccation cracks. To account cracking scale, this study proposes an unsaturated model combined with phase-field approach. Using experimental data input in numerical model, modeling framework is applied simulating effects cracks reported Cyclic Deformation (CD-A) experiment carried out formation Mont Terri Rock Laboratory Switzerland. Simulations homogeneous heterogeneous material properties generated from experimentally obtained ranges are out. Crack initiation propagation a good correlation monitored relative humidity range experiment. Practical information summarized motivate application proposed formulation different setups. Finally, possibilities improve reason simplification more abstract models indicated.

Language: Английский

Water Content Evolution in the EDZ of Opalinus Clay: A Methodic Approach for a Comparative Interpretation of Measurements and Modelling

Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 57(6), P. 4443 - 4472

Published: April 24, 2024

Abstract In the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory (Switzerland), an interdisciplinary examination program is carried out to increase knowledge about coupled hydro-mechanical effects in Opalinus Clay, which are of significant interest regarding stability and integrity a potential storage facility for high-level radioactive waste. This article focuses on characterization claystone near field excavations related hydraulic due excavation ventilation. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) applied characterize OPA: Several open fractures correlate with regions high values, indicating preferential flow paths that relevant transport processes. Due combined interpretation ERT long-term monitoring seasonally repeated nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements, relationship between electrical water content can be established, resulting also time-dependent map around different climatic conditions. The statistical these measurements indicates existence small-scale singularities contrast dominating, more homogeneous zones. presented approach leads better process understanding heterogeneous provides valuable basis pragmatic safety assessment.

Language: Английский

A finite discrete element approach for modeling of desiccation fracturing around underground openings in Opalinus clay

Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 40, P. 100612 - 100612

Published: Oct. 30, 2024

Language: Английский