Abstract
Numerical modelling is necessary in order to better understand transient phenomena of radon transport from radium-contaminated soils to a house basement where high radon levels were observed. The present work aims to develop a robust and simplified subsurface numerical model which can simulate radon transport at the soil-basement foundation interface under variable weather conditions around a house. The equivalent continuum modelling (ECM) approach has been used assuming an equivalent porosity and permeability of the basement foundation cracked concrete materials. This approach has been applied for simulating two-dimensional (2D) soil-gas and radon-entry into a house basement built on sand contaminated by uranium mill tailings (UMT) considering the presence of an aquifer with water-table, rainfall, evapotranspiration, atmospheric air pressure, and house under-pressurization.Sensitivity analysis of the model foundation parameters, performed at steady-state, showed that the numerical model predictions at transient conditions were in a good agreement with measurements of the radon-entry-rate through the basement foundation and radon concentration in the basement. The optimized parameters are physically sound and consistent with the observations and literature data.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
