Evaluation and improvement of the THM modelling capabilities for rock salt repositories

Abstract

This paper provides a summary description of the selected results obtained in the frame of the THERESA- project cosponsored by the European Commission (EC). The numerical modeling of coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) processes with impact on repository long-term safety was focused on simulation of a number of representative laboratory experiments on rock salt samples. The scope of these calculations was the validation of the actual capabilities of the constitutive model and to identify needs for further improvements of the model. The measured development of volumetric strains and permeability in the samples during loading process was compared posterior to calculation results.