Numerical modeling of gas injection induced cracking with unsaturated hydromechanical process in the context of radioactive waste disposal

• DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2024.105609
• Publication Date: 2024-02-03T01:03:47Z
• Authors: Zhan Yu; Jian-Fu Shao; Gilles Duveau; Meng Wang; Minh-ngoc Vu; Carlos Plua
• Keywords: Overpressure; Homogenization; Coalescence (physics)

This study is part of numerical simulations performed on an in-situ heating test conducted by the French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency (Andra) at Meuse/Haute-Marne Underground Research Laboratory (URL) to hydromechanical behavior host Callovo-Oxfordian COx claystone in quasi real conditions through international research project DECOVALEX. In this study, we present a analysis damage and cracking due gas effects processes unsaturated claystone, while considering distribution material heterogeneity. The proposed model implemented finite element code designed solve coupling problems under conditions. nucleation propagation cracks are described using extended phase-field method, which takes into account liquid pressure evolution phase-field. particular, macroscopic elastic determined two steps homogenization, considers porosity mineral inclusions. spatial variability these factors modeled Weibull function. Thus, directly influenced applied 3D benchmarks injection context radioactive waste disposal. process, overpressure-induced zone affects two-phase flow during injection, well reproduced.