Abstract
This paper provides a mathematical description of hydromechanical coupling associated with propagation of localized damage. The framework incorporates an embedded discontinuity approach and addresses the assessment of both hydraulic and mechanical properties in the region intercepted by a fracture. Within this approach, an internal length scale parameter is explicitly employed in the definition of equivalent permeability as well as the tangential stiffness operators. The effect of the progressive evolution of damage on the hydro-mechanical coupling is examined and an evolution law is derived governing the variation of equivalent permeability with the continuing deformation. The framework is verified by a numerical study involving 3D simulation of an axial splitting test carried out on a saturated sample under displacement and fluid pressure-controlled conditions. The finite element analysis incorporates the Polynomial-Pressure-Projection (PPP) stabilization technique and a fully implicit time integration scheme.
Highlights
The most widely advocated method for disposal of low and intermediate-level nuclear waste is deep geological disposal
A geological repository is supposed to be constructed at a significant depth below the surface and the potential site should fulfill several criteria, which include low permeability, adequate strength, and the long-term stability of the host rock
The choice of host rock is mainly governed by the availability of suitable geological formations of adequate thickness and geological setting
Summary
The most widely advocated method for disposal of low and intermediate-level nuclear waste is deep geological disposal. A geological repository is supposed to be constructed at a significant depth below the surface and the potential site should fulfill several criteria, which include low permeability, adequate strength, and the long-term stability of the host rock. The localized zones exhibit strain-softening which, for classical continuum representations, leads to ill-posedness of the initial boundary-value problem [9].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
