During the EURAD Annual Event, topics related to deep geological disposal of radioactive waste were discussed, covering all Work Packages (WPs). In this mission report, I will focus on the issues related to WP7, which is the one I am working on. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the need to understand how material properties vary in response to temperature changes, a crucial aspect for the safety of long-term storage systems.
Understanding the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) behavior of bentonites is essential across various engineering and geological contexts, particularly within nuclear waste repository settings. Bentonites are renowned for their significant swelling capacity upon contact with water, a key element of THM behavior. The extent of swelling is influenced by variables like temperature, moisture levels, and the presence of salts or ions in the environment.
Throughout the EURAD annual event held in Bucharest from April 23rd to 25th , emphasis was placed on the need to delve into the study of bentonite swelling at high temperatures, which is precisely what I study at CIEMAT. My research is focused on investigating permeability and swelling phenomena within the WP7 package (HITEC).
Bentonites typically possess low permeability, rendering them suitable for applications like waste containment barriers. THM analyses aid in assessing how permeability changes under diverse temperature and hydraulic conditions, vital for predicting long-term performance.
Bentonites can demonstrate time-dependent phenomena such as creep and consolidation under loads. THM investigations aid in characterizing these processes and offer insights into how bentonites react to prolonged stress and temperature fluctuations.
Actually, I presented a poster during the event focused on the hydro-mechanical behaviour of bentonites at high temperatures (WP7). Explaining the swelling behaviour of bentonites at different densities, and its changes due to high temperatures. Which is an important topic that need futher investigations.
Furthermore, on April 26th , I attended the final GAS/HITEC meeting where we delved deeper into WP7 and the previously mentioned topics.
