The Modeling of Laboratory Experiments on Granular MX-80 Bentonite with COMSOL Multiphysics

Radioactive waste disposal, as the final step of open nuclear fuel cycle, is an important process to protect humans and environment from harmful effects ionising radiation. Approaching construction geological repository, understanding predictability behavior engineered barrier material becomes more than ever. Therefore, a number research studies are being focused on experimental numerical analysis state under repository conditions. Engineered will be in contact with host rock packages, its properties governed by complex coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes. This paper presents modeling activities Lithuanian Energy Institute, performed framework H2020 project BEACON (Bentonite Mechanical Evolution). The model, developed COMSOL Multiphysics (Burlington, MA 01803, USA), was applied for experiments, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL, Switzerland), granular MX-80 bentonite odeometer cell. hydromechanical compacted sample analyzed different conditions: hydration groundwater confined volume conditions free swelling subsequent mechanical loading. Model outcomes (swelling pressure, saturation, dry density, void ratio) were compared available data. results line