Numerical Modeling of Seepage into Underground Openings

Water seepage into underground openings excavated in unsaturated, fractured rock is a concern for performance of the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, NV. The amount of seepage depends on fracture network permeability and connectivity, and the capillarity of individual fractures i...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inMining engineering Vol. 53; no. 9; p. 52
Main Authors Finsterle, S, Trautz, R C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Littleton Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc 01.09.2001
Subjects
Hydraulics
Permeability
Porous materials
Radioactive wastes
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Water seepage into underground openings excavated in unsaturated, fractured rock is a concern for performance of the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, NV. The amount of seepage depends on fracture network permeability and connectivity, and the capillarity of individual fractures intersecting the opening. Water seepage was investigated using a discrete feature model and a fracture-continuum model. The models were calibrated using liquid release test data taken from a niche excavated at Yucca Mountain. The model can be used to simulate and predict seepage threshold and seepage percentages for assessing repository performance.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
content type line 23
ISSN:0026-5187