Coupled analysis of a backfill hydration test
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Cita com:
hdl:2117/2218
Document typeArticle
Defense date1998
PublisherWiley
Rights accessOpen Access
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Abstract
BACCHUS2 in situ isothermal wetting experiment has been analysed by means of a coupled flow-deformation
approach. Backfill material, a mixture of Boom clay powder and high density pellets, has been
extensively tested in the laboratory in order to determine its hydraulic and mechanical properties. Parameters
of constitutive equations were derived from this experimental data base. Two mechanical constitutive
models have been used in the simulation of the 'in situ' experiment: a state surface approach and an
elastoplastic model. Calculations have shown several features of the hydration process which help to
understand the behaviour of expansive clay barriers. Predictions using both models have been compared
with each other and with actual measurement records. This has allowed a discussion of the comparative
mertis of both approaches and the identiÞcation of some critical parameters of backfill behaviour. Overall
agreement between calculations and field measurements is encouraging and shows the potential of the
methods developed to model the behaviour of engineered clay barriers in the context of nuclear waste
disposal.
CitationAlonso, E.E. [et al.]. Coupled analysis of a backfill hydration test. International journal for numerical and analytical methods in geomechanics (1998, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 1-27).
ISSN1096-9853