(A) coupled hydro-mechanical analysis of a high-level waste repository to assess importance of mechanical factors of bentonite buffer

Abstract

A buffer is the major component of a high level radioactive waste repository. Due to their high thermal conductivity and low permeability, bentonites have been considered as a key component of a buffer system in most countries. The deep geological condition generates ground water inflow and results in swelling pressure in the buffer and backfill. Investigation of swelling pressure of bentonite buffer is an important task for the safe disposal system. The swelling pressure that can be critical is affected by mechanical and hydro properties of the system. Therefore, in this study, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the effect of hydro-mechanical (HM) behaviors in the MX-80 bentonite. Based on the results of the swelling pressure generation with HM model parameters, a coupled HM analysis of an unsaturated buffer and backfill in a HLW repository was also carried out to investigate the major factor of swelling pressure generation.