Development of a multiphysics numerical solver for modeling the behavior of clay-based engineered barriers

Abstract

This work describes the development of a numerical module with a multiphysics structure to simulate the thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical behavior of compacted bentonites. First, the conceptual model, based on the state-of-the-art formulation for clay-based engineered barriers in deep geological repositories, is described. Second, the advantages of multiphysics-based modules are highlighted. Then, the guidelines to develop a code using such tools are outlined, presenting an example of implementation. Finally, the simulation of three tests that illustrate the behavior of compacted bentonites assesses the scope of the developed code. The satisfactory results obtained, and the relative simplicity of implementation, show the opportunity of the modeling strategy proposed. Keywords: Deep geological repository, Clay-based barrier, Compacted bentonite, Multiphysics modeling, Thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical behavior