Modelling of Hydro-Thermo-Mechanical Effects in a Fracture Intersecting a Nuclear Waste Deposition Hole

by J. Rutqvist, Lulea Univ of Technology, Lulea, Sweden,
O. Stephansson, Lulea Univ of Technology, Lulea, Sweden,
J. Noorishad, Lulea Univ of Technology, Lulea, Sweden,
C. -F. Tsang, Lulea Univ of Technology, Lulea, Sweden,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: High Level Radioactive Waste Management 1991

Abstract:

The groundwater flow in a vertical fracture intersecting a hypothetical nuclear waste deposition hole was examined. After excavation and emplacement of the nuclear waste canister, the aperture of the radial fracture decreased close to the deposition hole. After swelling of the compacted bentonite buffer and when the rock mass has cooled to virgin temperature, the fracture aperture increased adjacent to the deposition hole wall. This causes a fluid flow velocity increase up to more than one order of magnitude adjacent to the deposition hole wall. The far field flow rate through the repository is slightly affected by the swelling of the bentonite buffer.

Subject Headings: Radioactive wastes | Groundwater flow | Fluid flow | Bentonite | Swelling (material) | Cracking | Water resources

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