Modelling gas fracturing in saturated clay samples using triple-node zero-thickness interface elements

Geological Disposal Facilities (GDF) for radioactive waste will generally rely on clay-rich materials as a host geological formation and/or engineered barrier. Gas be produced within the GDF, which can build up significant gas pressure and activate migration of through clay via different transport mechanisms. These mechanisms are usually investigated in laboratory tests small samples few centimetres. In this paper, new Pneumo-Hydro-Mechanical (PHM) Finite Element model to simulate saturated scale is presented. proposed modelling approach, continuum elements used represent mechanical flow processes bulk material, while zero-thickness interface existing or induced discontinuities (cracks). A triple-node PHM element presented achieve this. The performance illustrated with synthetic benchmark examples show ability reproduce observed leading propagation cracks due (gas fracturing).