Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.gete.2023.100520
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Modelling the thermo-mechanical behaviour of a rock joint
Author Nguyen, T.S.; Kolditz, O. ORCID logo ; Yoon, J.S.; Zhuang, L.
Source Titel Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment
Year 2024
Department ENVINF
Volume 37
Page From art. 100520
Language englisch
Topic T8 Georesources
Keywords Rock joint; Shear; Dilation; Thermal shearing; Viscoplasticity; Nuclear waste; Geological disposal
Abstract The CNSC, the Canadian regulator for the nuclear industry, participated in DECOVALEX-2023 Task G that focuses on the thermo (T) - hydro (H)- mechanical (M) behaviour of rock joints. Joints are omnipresent in rock masses and are planes of weakness in the host rock. When deep geological repositories (DGRs) for radioactive waste are being considered in areas where rock joints are present, the joints could be preferential pathways for radionuclide migration. Therefore, their THM behaviour must be better understood to assess the safety of the DGR. Under different possible internal and external perturbations, a joint can move by shear and dilation. If the joint crosses the emplacement area of a waste container, the heat generated from the waste can itself induce shearing of the joint. Excessive shear movement can in turn lead to failure of the container, resulting in earlier release of radionuclides. Furthermore, dilation that might accompany shear, results in an increase in the joint aperture creating a faster flow path for radionuclide transport. Mathematical models are important tools that need to be developed and employed, in order to assess joint shear and dilation under different loading conditions, such as the heat generated from the emplaced waste. The authors have developed such a mathematical model based on a macroscopic formulation within the framework of elasto-plasticity. It is verified against analytical solutions and validated against shear under constant normal load tests and thermal shearing tests of joints in granite.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=28335
Nguyen, T.S., Kolditz, O., Yoon, J.S., Zhuang, L. (2024):
Modelling the thermo-mechanical behaviour of a rock joint
Geomech. Energy Environ. 37 , art. 100520 10.1016/j.gete.2023.100520