a b s t r a c tWe investigate the capabilities of two simulators, TOUGH-FLAC and FLAC-TOUGH, to predict the longterm thermal-hydraulic-mechanical response of a generic salt repository for heat-generating nuclear waste. These simulators are based on sequential coupling and include state-of-the-art knowledge for saliferous materials. Their main difference is the sequential method used. We present a benchmark between LBNL and TU Clausthal. The scenario studied assumes heat and gas generation from the waste packages, and crushed salt backfill. The comparison of results is very satisfactory, providing increased reliability and confidence in the capabilities of the simulators to evaluate the geological and engineered barriers in the long-term.Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Thermal-hydraulic-mechanical modeling of a large-scale heater test to investigate rock salt and crushed salt behavior under repository conditions for heat-generating nuclear waste The Thermal Simulation for Drift Emplacement heater test is modeled using two simulators for coupled 19 thermal-hydraulic-mechanical processes. Results from the two simulators are in very good agreement. 20The comparison between measurements and numerical results is also very satisfactory, regarding 21 temperature, drift closure and rock deformation. Concerning backfill compaction, a parameter calibration 22 through inverse modeling was performed due to insufficient data on crushed salt reconsolidation, 23 particularly at high temperatures. We conclude that the two simulators investigated have the capabilities 24 to reproduce the data available, which increases confidence in their use to reliably investigate disposal of 25 heat-generating nuclear waste in saliferous geosystems. 26
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Keywords 28Heater test, coupled processes modeling, benchmark, heat-generating nuclear waste, rock salt, crushed 29 salt 30 3
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