Seismic analysis of the stability of a deep geological repository in sedimentary rock

Z. Fu, E. Evgin, J.A. Infante Sedano, S. Sivathayalan

In the proceedings of: GEO2011: 64th Canadian Geotechnical Conference, 14th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 5th Pan-American Conference on Teaching and Learning of Geotechnical Engineering

Session: Mining and Rock Mechanics

ABSTRACT: A numerical analysis is conducted to determine the intensity of damage in Cobourg limestone around a deep geological repository. The extent of the damage and its effect on the fluid flow properties of the rock mass are determined by using a coupled hydro-mechanical distinct element analysis. The results include the magnitude of displacements at potentially critical locations, stress distribution around the emplacement rooms, the changes in the permeability around the repository, relative tangential movements along the bedding planes and the aperture opening and closing. The geostatic and seismic loads are considered to explore the performance of the repository.

RÉSUMÉ: Une analyse numérique a été effectuée afin de déterminer l'intensité des dommages dans de la roche calcaire de Cobourg autour d'un entrepôt géologique profond. L'étendue des dommages et ses effets sur les propriétés de flux des fluides dans la masse rocheuse sont déterminés en utilisant la méthode des éléments distincts et un modèle hydromécanique couplé. Les résultats comprennent l'amplitude des déplacements et les zones critiques potentielles, la distribution des contraintes autour des chambres de stockage, les changements de perméabilité autour de l'entrepôt, les mouvements tangentiels relatifs le long des plans de stratification et la formation et la clôture des ouvertures. Les charges géostatiques et sismiques sont aussi considérées afin d'explorer la performance de l'entrepôt.

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