Sensitive THM coupled analysis of buffer-rock barriers for nuclear waste storage. In Unsaturated Soil Mechanics from Theory to Practice

The buffer-rock barriers system is widely proved to be one of the most promising options for isolating high-level radioactive waste from the human environment. To certify the efficiency and provide the additional development regarding design and assessment of this barriers system, it is essential to understand the complex Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical (THM) behavior of confining buffer under a variety of environmental conditions. To this end, a case of buffer-rock barriers system is studied using a THM finite element approach. The contributions of different processes, including the vapor diffusion process, the water saturation dependent thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity as well as t…