The stiffness equation of linearized finite displacements for straight thin-walled members with inelastic material is derived. An arbitrary orthogonal coordinate system with a single reference point across the section need be introduced in the formulation, which is a clear distinction from the elasticity problem. Also distinct from the elastic analysis is a need to evaluate the magnitude of strains from time to time because of the dependence of the tangent modulus on strain levels. Illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the proposed method for the inelastic finite displacement analysis of spatial thin-walled members, with a simplified consideration on the effect of shear stresses.

Bentonite is not thermodynamically compatible with the cementitious materials that will be present in the repository. However, the evolution of the bentonite buffer, induced by high-pH plumes originating from the cement-water reactions, occurs over very long time-scales. The kinetics of bentonite dissolution is a key feature to determine if the use of cement results in significant alteration of the bentonite buffer.To address this issue, a series of simulations were carried out using a reactive solute transport model. The code used in this study fully couples geochemical reactions, flow and transport, without splitting these processes, which can

No abstract

No abstract

The Information Flow Diagram for Literature Survey (IFDLS) has been developed to manage information and procedure in the literature survey phase of the PIAs selection process. It is a tool utilizing information technology, which can organize, analyze, and evaluate information from literature survey and manage their process systematically. IFDLS is able to show the flow of information and data, and the history of information management processing. Information coverage and quality is not homogenous throughout the country and, in some areas, there may not even be sufficient data available to be able to reach a judgment on conformity with the site-specific evaluation factors (SSEF). Literature surveys could only be conducted on a volunteer area before it is nominated as a PIA. However, the absence of information on any factor mentioned will not constitute disqualification of the area. On the contrary, an attempt to compare these sites with analogous areas in Japan will be done to assemble sufficient data and consequently make a decision on whether to proceed further. The application of IFDLS to literature survey phase of the PIA selection process is being proposed. The concept, construction, application and evolution of IFDLS towards application phase on a trial basis are discussed.