Numerical analysis of hydro-thermal fracturing in saturated rocks by considering material anisotropy and micro-structural heterogeneity

Abstract

This study is devoted to numerical modeling of cracking process induced by temperature change in saturated porous rocks in the context of geological disposal of radioactive waste. Effects of material anisotropy and heterogeneity are taken into account. The macroscopic elastic properties are determined from two steps of homogenization by considering pores and mineral inclusions at two different scales. An extended phase-field model is proposed to describe the initiation and propagation of localized cracks. Two damage variables are introduced to conveniently represent both tensile and shear cracks. New damage evolution criteria are defined by incorporating the pore pressure effect. Three application examples are presented. By assuming a random distribution of pores and inclusions, the efficiency of the proposed model for capturing the progressive cracking process is first verified in a triaxial compression test. The thermal cracking process in an anisotropic and heterogeneous sample is then investigated. The respective influences of elastic anisotropy and spatial variability of pores and inclusions are outlined. Finally, the proposed model is applied to a series of real laboratory thermal cracking tests. Both hydromechanical responses and cracking evolution patterns are investigated. Numerical results are compared with experimental measurements. The main mechanisms involved in the thermal cracking process are highlighted.