Simple modelling of fast hydration processes in bentonite pellet fills

A novel hydro-mechanical formulation is presented to simulate the fast wetting of bentonite pellet fills. The model based on a triple porosity concept, but its uses double structure for simplicity. It assumed that process results in liquid pressure inter-pellet voids equal boundary pressure. This enables system equations be solved have same than used analyse behaviour blocks with numerical tools approaches. Thus, it relatively simple extend such incorporate conceptual this paper. To assess scope proposed formulation, set tests which void space rapidly flooded and test circulated progressively more humid air are simulated. obtained pellets fills both FEBEX MX-80 bentonites very satisfactory, despite simplicity presented.