Coupled thermo-mechanical simulations for HLW disposal tunnel using distinct element method

Shimizu, Hiroyuki; Koyama, Tomofumi*; Chijimatsu, Masakazu*; Fujita, Tomoo ; Nakama, Shigeo 

In this study, the thermal calculation algorism was newly developed and introduced to the original distinct element code, and the coupled thermo-mechanical behavior of rock mass around the HLW disposal tunnel was simulated. For the simulations, the experimental data was obtained from the pillar stability experiments with mechanical loading and heating at Aspo HRL (hard rock underground laboratory), Sweden and simulation results were compared with the measuring and observation results. The crack propagation process during heating can be successfully simulated and simulation results agree well with the measuring and observation results at the site. However, for the better agreement quantitatively, the further bonding parameter as a function of heat will be necessary.