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Kim, M.*; Lee, C.*; Sugita, Yutaka; Kim, J.-S.*; Jeon, M.-K.*
Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, 41, p.100628_1 - 100628_9, 2025/03
Times Cited Count：0 Percentile：0.00(Energy & Fuels)This study investigates the impact of primary variables selection on the modeling of non-isothermal two-phase flow, by using the numerical work on the full-scale Engineered Barrier System (EBS) experiment conducted at Horonobe URL as part of the DECOVALEX-2023 project. A validated numerical model is employed to simulate the coupled thermo-hydrological behavior of heterogeneous porous media within the EBS. Two different primary variable schemes are compared in discretizing the governing equations, revealing significant difference in results.
Takayama, Yusuke; Sato, Daisuke*; Sugita, Yutaka
Kansai Geo-Symposium 2024; Chikasui Jiban Kankyo, Bosai, Keisoku Gijutsu Ni Kansuru Shinpojiumu Rombunshu, p.115 - 119, 2024/11
During the initial phases after closure of a high-level radioactive waste repository, the temperature of the buffer material will increase. Therefore, fundamental properties regarding the temperature dependence of bentonite, which is the main material of the buffer material, have been tested. The number of tests for the temperature dependence of displacement behavior is less than the number of tests for the temperature dependence of swelling pressure and permeability. In this paper, two tests were conducted using a consolidation test device that can control temperature conditions. One is a cyclic loading and unloading test under temperature conditions from room temperature to 80 
C. The second is a temperature rise and fall test from room temperature to 80 C under stable loading condition. It was clarified that large deformations occur in the specimen under high temperature conditions, that the deformation associated with temperature changes is affected by the past stress path, and that irreversible deformation occurs under normal consolidation conditions.
Kawaguchi, Munemichi; Hirakawa, Yasushi; Sugita, Yusuke; Yamaguchi, Yutaka
Nuclear Technology, 210(1), p.55 - 71, 2024/01
Times Cited Count：0 Percentile：0.00(Nuclear Science & Technology)This study has developed an estimation method for residual sodium film and sodium lumps on dummy fuel pins in Monju and demonstrated sodium draining behavior through gaps among the pins, experimentally. The amounts of the residual sodium on the surface of the pins were measured using the three-type test specimens: (a) single pin, (b) 7-pin assembly, and (c) 169-pin assembly. The experiments revealed that the withdrawal speed of the pins and improvement of the sodium wetting increased drastically the amounts of the residual sodium. Furthermore, the experiments using the 169-pin assembly measured the practical amounts of the residual sodium in the dummy fuel assembly of short length and demonstrated sodium draining behavior through the dummy fuel assembly. The estimation method includes four models: a viscosity flow model, Landau-Levich-Derjaguin (LLD) model, an empirical equation related to the Bretherton model, and a capillary force model in a tube. The calculation predicted comparable amounts of the residual sodium with the experiments. An uncertain of the sodium wetting effects were close to 1.8 times the estimation values of the LLD model. With this estimation method, the amounts of the residual sodium on the unloaded Monju dummy fuel assembly can be evaluated.
Motoshima, Takayuki*; Matsui, Hiroya; Kawakubo, Masahiro*; Kobayashi, Masato*; Ichimura, Tetsuhiro*; Sugita, Yutaka
Nihon Genshiryoku Gakkai-Shi ATOMO
, 64(3), p.163 - 167, 2022/03
no abstracts in English
Sugita, Yutaka; Kikuchi, Hirohito*; Hoshino, Emiko*
JAEA-Data/Code 2020-017, 39 Pages, 2021/01
JAEA-Data-Code-2020-017.pdf:2.96MB
In Japan, high-level radioactive waste (HLW) will be buried in a purpose built repository in deep underground. In the vertical disposal concept of HLW, nuclear waste canisters will be emplaced in excavated vertical disposal holes, surrounded by bentonite/sand mixture. And the galleries will be backfilled with bentonite/excavated rock mixture, which will be isolated with a concrete plug. Japan Atomic Energy Agency has performed swelling test, permeability test, thermal property measurement, uniaxial compression test, water potential measurement and infiltration tests to identify coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical-chemical behavior that will operate in the backfill material using excavated rock in the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory (URL). The obtained data will be used to support an ongoing full scale, in-situ experiment being conducted in the Horonobe URL.
Sugita, Yutaka; Taniguchi, Naoki; Makino, Hitoshi; Kanamaru, Shinichiro*; Okumura, Taisei*
Nihon Genshiryoku Gakkai Wabun Rombunshi, 19(3), p.121 - 135, 2020/09
A series of structural analysis of disposal containers for direct disposal of spent fuel was carried out to provide preliminary estimates of the required pressure resistance thickness of the disposal container. Disposal containers were designed to contain either 2, 3 or 4 spent fuel assemblies in linear, triangular or square arrangements, respectively. The required pressure resistance thickness was evaluated using separation distance of the housing space for each spent fuel assembly as a key model parameter to obtain the required thickness of the body and then the lid of the disposal container. This work also provides additional analytical technical knowledge, such as the validity of the setting of the stress evaluation line and the effect of the model length on the analysis. These can then be referred to and used again in the future as a basis for conducting similar evaluations under different conditions or proceeding with more detailed evaluations.
Aoyagi, Kazuhei; Sakurai, Akitaka; Miyara, Nobukatsu; Sugita, Yutaka
JAEA-Research 2020-004, 68 Pages, 2020/06
JAEA-Research-2020-004.pdf:6.4MB
JAEA-Research-2020-004-appendix1(DVD-ROM).zip:636.84MBJAEA-Research-2020-004-appendix2(DVD-ROM).zip:457.72MBJAEA-Research-2020-004-appendix3(DVD-ROM).zip:595.19MB
In construction and operational phase of a high-level radioactive waste disposal project, it is necessary to monitor on mechanical stability of underground facility for long term. In this research, we measured the displacement of the rock around the gallery and the stress acting on support materials. Furthermore, we investigated the durability of measurement sensor installed in the rock mass and the support material such as concreate lining and steel support. As a result, optical fiber sensor is appropriate for measurement of the displacement of rock mass around the gallery, while it is enough to apply the conventional electric sensor for the measurement of stress acting on the support material in the geological environment (soft rock and low inflow). The result of the measurement in the fault zone in 350 m gallery, show that the stresses acting on both shotcrete and steel arch lib exceeded the value which will cause the instability of the gallery. However, as, we found no crack on the surface of the shotcrete. By observation on the surface of shotcrete, thus, it was concluded that careful observation of shotcrete around that section in addition to the monitoring the measured stress was necessary to continue. In other measurement sections, there was no risk for the instability of the gallery as a result of the investigation of the measurement result.
Nakayama, Masashi; Saiga, Atsushi; Kimura, Shun; Mochizuki, Akihito; Aoyagi, Kazuhei; Ono, Hirokazu; Miyakawa, Kazuya; Takeda, Masaki; Hayano, Akira; Matsuoka, Toshiyuki; et al.
JAEA-Research 2019-013, 276 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA-Research-2019-013.pdf:18.72MB
The Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory (URL) Project is being pursued by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) to enhance the reliability of relevant disposal technologies for geological disposal of High-level Radioactive Waste through investigations of the deep geological environment within the host sedimentary rock at Horonobe Town in Hokkaido, north Japan. The investigations will be conducted in three phases, namely "Phase 1: Surface based investigations", "Phase 2: Construction phase" (investigations during construction of the underground facilities) and "Phase 3: Operation phase" (research in the underground facilities). According to the research plan described in the 3rd Mid- and Long- term Plan of JAEA, "Near-field performance study", "Demonstration of repository design option", and "Verification of crustal-movement buffering capacity of sedimentary rocks" are important issues of the Horonobe URL Project, and schedule of future research and backfill plans of the project will be decided by the end of 2019 Fiscal Year. The present report summarizes the research and development activities of these 3 important issues carried out during 3rd Medium to Long-term Research Phase.
Aoyagi, Kazuhei; Sakurai, Akitaka; Miyara, Nobukatsu; Sugita, Yutaka; Tanai, Kenji
Shigen, Sozai Koenshu (Internet), 6(2), 7 Pages, 2019/09
no abstracts in English
Kubota, Kenji*; Aoyagi, Kazuhei; Sugita, Yutaka
Proceedings of 2019 Rock Dynamics Summit in Okinawa (USB Flash Drive), p.729 - 733, 2019/05
During the excavation of shafts and galleries in the deep subsurface for disposing of high-level radioactive waste, an excavation disturbed zone (EdZ) or excavation damaged zone (EDZ) is developed around the shafts and galleries. Such zones could influence the transfer behavior of radioactive nuclides, and it is therefore important to understand the behavior of the EdZ or EDZ. We performed in situ experiments before, during, and after gallery excavation in galleries of 140 and 250 m in depth in an area of soft sedimentary rock in Japan. The results demonstrate that the extent of fractures induced by the gallery excavation related with EDZ was confined to about 0.45 m from the gallery wall in the 140 m gallery and to about 1 m from the gallery wall in the 250 m gallery. The extent of the unsaturated zone related with EdZ was about 1 m in the 140 m gallery, but an unsaturated zone did not appear in the 250 m gallery.
Sugita, Yutaka; Aoyagi, Kazuhei; Kubota, Kenji*; Nakata, Eiji*; Oyama, Takahiro*
JAEA-Research 2018-002, 72 Pages, 2018/06
JAEA-Research-2018-002.pdf:6.16MB
In a excavation of shafts and galleries in the deep underground for disposing radioactive waste, an excavation damaged zone (EDZ) is developed around the galleries and shafts owing to the stress redistribution. Since the characteristic changes of the rock mass in the EDZ affects the radionuclides migration behavior, it is important to understand the long-term behavior of the EDZ. Thus, we performed the in situ experiment to investigate the long-term behavior of EDZ as part of the collaborative research between Japan Atomic Energy Agency and Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry in the 140m gallery in the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory. In this research, we investigated the extent, mechanism of the change of hydro-mechanical characteristic, and long-term behavior of the EDZ on the basis of the comprehensive estimation of the results of the observation of the drift wall and the various investigations using boreholes such as geological investigation, the seismic and resistivity tomography, hydraulic test, water content monitoring, borehole loading test, convergence measurement, and so on. In addition, we clarified applicability and future tasks of the testing method used in this research for the investigation of the long-term behavior of the EDZ.
Sugita, Yutaka; Kageyama, Takeshi*; Makino, Hitoshi; Shimbo, Hiroshi*; Hane, Koji*; Kobayashi, Yuichi*; Fujisawa, Yasuo*; Makanae, Koji*; Yabuki, Nobuyoshi*
Proceedings of 17th International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering (ICCCBE 2018) (Internet), 8 Pages, 2018/06
This paper presents status of development of the iSRE (integrated system for repository engineering) as a design supporting system that enables rational designing of a geological disposal repository. The complimentary technique of construction information modeling/management (CIM) has been employed for the development of iSRE. CIM uses a shared three dimensional (3D) model of associated data through common data models. In this paper, as a design support system that conforms to the characteristics of information management about engineering technology represented by repetition of design during the disposal project period, we examined and designed the function of the "iSRE", constructed a prototype, and confirmed the function through a trial simulating actual work in the disposal project. As a result, with respect to the functions of DB and IF of the iSRE, we got a prospect that these functions can be the foundation of information management on engineering technology, and development of the prototype of the iSRE and its test run extracted issues for practical use of such system.
Kubota, Kenji*; Aoyagi, Kazuhei; Sugita, Yutaka
Koeki Shadan Hojin Butsuri Tansa Gakkai Dai-138-Kai (Heisei-30-Nendo Shuki) Gakujutsu Koenkai Koen Rombunshu, p.51 - 54, 2018/05
In an excavation of shafts and galleries in the deep underground for disposing high level radioactive waste, an excavation disturbed zone (EdZ) or excavation damaged zone (EDZ) is developed around the shafts and galleries owing to the stress redistribution. It is important to understand the behavior of the EdZ or EDZ because these zone could have an effect on the transfer behavior of radioactive nuclide. Therefore, the authors performed the in situ experiment to investigate the behavior of EdZ or EDZ in the 140m and 250m gallery in the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory. From the result of the experiments, the authors compared the characteristics of EdZ or EDZ between those in 140m and 250m gallery. The extent of the fractures induced by the gallery excavation, i.e., EDZ was about 0.45m in the 140m gallery and about 1m in the 250m gallery. The extent of the unsaturated zones related with EdZ was about 1m in the 140m gallery, however, unsaturated zone was not appeared in the 250m gallery.
Hashiba, Kimihiro*; Fukui, Katsunori*; Sugita, Yutaka; Aoyagi, Kazuhei
Proceedings of ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress 2017 (WTC 2017) (USB Flash Drive), 8 Pages, 2017/06
It is essential to understand the mechanical and rheological characteristics of diatomaceous and siliceous mudstones for the construction of underground structures and for the assessment of their long-term stability. In this study, the siliceous mudstone of the Wakkanai Formation was applied to various laboratory tests: compression test, creep test, relaxation test, drying shrinkage test, and slaking test. The test results showed that water has a major impact on the mechanical and rheological properties of the siliceous mudstone. In addition, water content at a tunnel wall was measured in the Horonobe URL. Comparing the results of the laboratory tests and the in situ measurement, the effect of water on the tunnel stability was discussed.
Tada, Hiroyuki*; Kumasaka, Hiroo*; Saito, Akira*; Nakaya, Atsushi*; Ishii, Takashi*; Fujita, Tomoo; Sugita, Yutaka; Nakama, Shigeo; Sanada, Masanori*
Doboku Gakkai Rombunshu, F2 (Chika Kukan Kenkyu) (Internet), 73(1), p.11 - 28, 2017/03
This study examined the mechanical characteristics of rock segments and backfill materials and analyzed the stability of the drift that is supported by the rock segments and gravel backfill. The results confirmed the technical aspects of the formation of the rock segments and the effectiveness of the planned efforts to further reduce the amount of cement used.
Seno, Yasuhiro*; Nakayama, Masashi; Sugita, Yutaka; Tanai, Kenji; Fujita, Tomoo
JAEA-Data/Code 2016-011, 164 Pages, 2016/11
JAEA-Data-Code-2016-011.pdf:8.45MBJAEA-Data-Code-2016-011-appendix(CD-ROM).zip:0.1MB
The cementitious materials are used as candidate materials for the tunnel support of the deep geological repository of high-level radioactive wastes (HLW).Generally the pH of leachate from concrete mixed Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) shows a range of 12 to 13. The barrier function of bentonite used as a buffer material and that of host rock might be damaged by the high alkaline leachate from cementitious materials. Therefore, low alkalinity that does not damage each barrier function is necessary for cementitious materials used for the tunnel support system of the HLW geological repository. JAEA has developed a low alkaline cement named as HFSC (Highly Fly-ash contained Silicafume Cement) which the pH of the cement leachate could lower approximately 11. We have confirmed the applicability of HFSC for the tunnel support materials, by using experimentally as the shotcreting materials to the part of gallery wall at 140m, 250m and 350m depth in Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory. And moreover, HFSC has been used as the cast-in-place concrete for the shaft lining concrete at the depth of 374m-380m. This Data/Code summarized the past HFSC mix proportion test results about the fresh concrete properties and hardened concrete properties, in order to offer the information as a reference for selecting the mix proportion of HFSC concrete adopted to the disposal galleries et al. in the future.
Seno, Yasuhiro*; Noguchi, Akira*; Nakayama, Masashi; Sugita, Yutaka; Suto, Shunkichi; Tanai, Kenji; Fujita, Tomoo; Sato, Haruo*
JAEA-Technology 2016-011, 20 Pages, 2016/07
JAEA-Technology-2016-011.pdf:7.56MB
Cementitious materials are expected to be used for the construction of an underground repository for the geological disposal of radioactive wastes. Ordinary Portland Cement(OPC) would conventionally be used in the fields of civil engineering and architecture, however, OPC has the potential to generate a highly alkaline plume (pH
12.5), which will likely degrade the performance of other barriers in the repository such as the bentonite buffer and/or host rock. Low alkaline cementitious materials are therefore being developed that will mitigate the generation of a highly alkaline plume. JAEA has developed a High-volume Fly ash Silica fume Cement (HFSC) as a candidate low alkaline cementitious material. The workability of the HFSC shotcrete was confirmed by conducting In-situ full scale construction tests in the Horonobe underground research laboratory. This report summarizes the results of immersion tests to assess the long-term pH behavior of hardened HFSC cement pastes made with mix designs that are expected to be able to be used in the construction of an underground repository in Japan.
Sugita, Yutaka; Kawaguchi, Tatsuya; Hatanaka, Koichiro; Shimbo, Hiroshi*; Yamamura, Masato*; Kobayashi, Yuichi*; Fujisawa, Yasuo*; Kobayashi, Ichiro*; Yabuki, Nobuyoshi*
Proceedings of 16th International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering (ICCCBE 2016) (Internet), p.1173 - 1182, 2016/07
This paper presents status of development of the iSRE (integrated system for repository engineering) as a design supporting system that enables rational designing of a geological disposal repository. The complimentary technique of construction information modeling/management (CIM) has been employed for the development of iSRE. CIM uses a shared three dimensional (3D) model of associated data through common data models. The contents of this paper are the goal of the development, design requirements and required functions, the basic structure of iSRE. The main databases of the iSRE could then be designed with an interface to coordinate with external systems and other databases. Some of the databases and the interfaces were trialed and a data model was then built. A scenario of iSRE operation was also created and the applicability of iSRE using a data model was also examined. Thanks to the use of the existing software, the development process could be conducted while solving problems for realistic test cases. The prospect of the development of the iSRE for geological disposal projects was realized and the iSRE was confirmed as being a useful tool for designing a repository.
Nakayama, Masashi; Ono, Hirokazu; Tanai, Kenji; Sugita, Yutaka; Fujita, Tomoo
JAEA-Research 2016-002, 280 Pages, 2016/06
JAEA-Research-2016-002.pdf:16.21MB
The Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory (URL) Project has being pursued by Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) to enhance the reliability of relevant disposal technologies through investigations of the deep geological environment within the host sedimentary formation at Horonobe, northern Hokkaido. The URL Project consists of two major research areas, "Geoscientific Research" and "Research and Development on Geological Disposal Technologies", and proceeds in three overlapping phases, "Phase I: Surface-based investigations", "Phase II: Investigations during tunnel excavation" and "Phase III: Investigations in the underground facilities", over a period of around 20 years. Phase III investigation was started in 2010 fiscal year. The in-situ experiment for performance confirmation of engineered barrier system (EBS experiment) had been prepared from 2013 to 2014 fiscal year at G.L.-350m gallery (Niche No.4), and heating by electric heater in simulated overpack had started in January, 2015. One of objectives of the experiment is acquiring data concerned with Thermal-Hydrological-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) coupled behavior. These data will be used in order to confirm the performance of engineered barrier system. In EBS experiment, the backfill material using mixture of bentonite and muck from Horonobe URL construction was used for backfilling a part of Niche No.4. This report shows the results of properties of the backfill material, confirmation test of compaction method and making backfill material block, and so on. From these results, it was confirmed that the backfill material would satisfy target value of the permeability and the swelling pressure.
Hashiba, Kimihiro*; Fukui, Katsunori*; Sugita, Yutaka; Sanada, Masanori*
Genshiryoku Bakkuendo Kenkyu (CD-ROM), 21(2), p.75 - 82, 2014/12
Diatomaceous earth and siliceous rock are widespread in the areas along the Sea of Japan in Hokkaido Prefecture, Akita Prefecture, Noto Peninsula and Oki Islands. To construct underground structures in the siliceous rock mass, it is essential to understand its mechanical properties. In this study, siliceous mudstone of the Wakkanai formation obtained from the deep underground in Horonobe, Hokkaido was applied to various laboratory tests; uniaxial compression test, Brazilian tension test, drying shrinkage test and the test to investigate the time dependent behavior and strength recovery. The testing results showed that water has a huge effect on the deformation and failure of the siliceous mudstone; when the specimen is air dried in room temperature, the axial shrinkage strain reashes 0.9% and the strength is twice larger than that in wet condition. It was found that the siliceous mudstone exhibits the same degree of time dependent behavior and strength recovery as other rocks such as tuff and sandstone.
