Study of thermo-hydro-mechanical processes at a potential site of an Indian nuclear waste repository

Maheshwar, Sachin; Verma, A. K.; Singh, T. N.; Bajpai, R.

doi:10.1007/s12040-015-0632-3

Cited by 11 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 14 publications

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“…In the scope of dam engineering, the valley narrowing deformation is always explained to be a consequence of seepage variation while the effect of thermal field change is often neglected. In fact, the effect of subsurface temperature change on rock deformation has gradually been recognized by studies on tunnels [18], alpine geosystems [19], radioactive waste repositories [20], and many other kinds of fractured rock systems. Gunzburger [21] marks the daily fluctuation of surface temperature as the main cause of the rockfall at Rochers de Valabres slope in France.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Analysis of Valley Narrowing Deformation of High Arch Dam: A Case Study of the Xiluodu Project in China

Yin

et al. 2020

Applied Sciences

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General studies examining reservoir bank deformation during its impoundment primarily consider the coupling effect between the seepage field and the stress field, but thermal field variation in the bedrock and its effect are rarely considered. In this paper, a case study concerning a 285.5 m high arch dam project, where a valley narrowing deformation occurs after the initial impoundment, is implemented. An analysis of in situ measurement is given to interpret the causes of the unique hydro-thermal phenomenon of the project. Possible reasons for the valley narrowing deformation pattern are discussed. A numerical model based on the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupling theory of porous medium is used to calculate the evolution processes of the thermal, seepage, and stress fields of the area after impoundment of the reservoir. The simulated deformation trend and pattern of the river valley are consistent with the monitoring data. The results demonstrate that water infiltration after impounding cools the bedrock and the temperature decrease makes the bedrock contract, which induces the narrowing deformation of the valley. Factor analysis of the hydrothermal field shows that temperature variation is the main cause of long-term deformation. Thus, it shall be considered as a key factor in terms of structural safety assessment. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis of the hydraulic conductivities of rock strata suggests that future development of the deformation can be eased off if the anti-seepage method is adopted on the bedrock.

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