Investigation in 3-D of Stress Distribution in a Circular Tunnel and Vertical Emplacement Holes Due to Thermal and Overburden Loading in Tuff

by Nadia Kandalaft-Ladkany, Univ of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, United States,
R. V. Wyman, Univ of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, United States,
S. G. Ladkany, Univ of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: High Level Radioactive Waste Management 1993

Abstract:

Thermal stress and displacement analysis using two 3-D finite element models, one having a course mesh and one having a highly detailed mesh are presented. Results are compared to those obtained by a 2-D plane strain finite element analysis using a course mesh. Results indicate that thermal stress are at least an order of magnitude higher than geothermal and overburden stresses combined. Thermal stresses in the near field rock reach a critical level in the vicinity of the canisters and in some areas around the tunnels which may dictate rock bolting. Local rock collapses may prevent the canisters from being retrieved. Interpolated three-dimensional temperature profiles, used in the analysis, are also presented.

Subject Headings: Thermal loads | Finite element method | Thermal analysis | Stress analysis | Vertical loads | Stress distribution | Tunnels

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