Numerical modelling and in-situ experiment for self-sealing of the induced fracture network of drift into the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone during a hydration process

The excavation damage zone surrounding an underground tunnel/gallery, and in particular its evolution, is being studied for the performance assessment of a radioactive waste repository. This paper focuses on numerical analysis self-sealing damaged based in-situ CDZ experiment exploring during hydration process. A plastic model employed to describe mechanical behaviour Callovo-Oxfordian claystone (COx), added deformation coupled with standard Biot’s simulate significant COx change water content. Crack estimation permeability evaluation unsaturated fractured are carried out through post-processing method fracture energy regularization cubic law, respectively. validation proposed performed by simulation of: (1) swelling triaxial compression tests, (2) samples process, (3) Comparisons between experimental results demonstrate reliability accurately claystone, global reduction illustrates accomplishment zone.