Nevada Nuclear Waste Storage Investigations Project: Unit evaluation at Yucca Mountain, Nevada Test Site: Near-field thermal and mechanical calculations using the SANDIA-ADINA code
Presented in this report are the results of a comparative study of two candidate horizons, the welded, devitrified Topopah Spring Member ofthe Paintbrush Tuff, and the nonwelded, zeolitized Tuffaceous Beds of Calico Hills. The mechanical and thermomechanical response these two horizons was assessed by conducting thermal and thermomechanical calculations using a two-dimensional room and pillar geometry of the vertical waste emplacement option using average and limit properties for each. A modified version of the computer code ADINA (SANDIA-ADINA) containing a material model for rock masses with ubiquitous jointing was used in the calculations. Results of the calculations are presented as the units` capacity for storage of nuclear waste and stability of the emplacement room and pillar due to excavation and long-term heating. A comparison is made with a similar underground opening geometry sited in Grouse Canyon Tuff, using properties obtained from G-Tunnel - a horizon of known excavation characteristics. Long-term stability of the excavated rooms was predicted for all units, as determined by evaluating regions of predicted joint slip as the result of excavation and subsequent thermal loading, evaluating regions of predicted rock matrix failure as the result of excavation and subsequent thermal loading, and evaluating safety factors against rock matrix failure. These results were derived through considering a wide range in material properties and in situ stresses. 21 refs., 21 figs., 5 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 60047
- Report Number(s):
- SAND--83-0030; ON: DE87009980
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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