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Numerical modeling of seepage into underground openings

Journal Article · · Mining Engineering (Littleton, Colorado)
OSTI ID:777469
 [1];  [1]
  1. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

We performed numerical modeling studies to investigate water seepage into underground openings excavated from unsaturated fractured formations. Water seepage is a key factor which would affect the performance of a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain if one is built at the site. The amount of water dripping into an underground opening depends on the connectivity and permeability of the fracture network as well as on the capillarity of individual fractures intersecting the opening. We developed a high-resolution numerical model of an unsaturated fracture network and examined the appropriateness of seepage predictions using a fracture continuum model. Model calibrations to liquid-release tests performed at Yucca Mountain are also discussed.

Research Organization:
Yucca Mountain Project, Las Vegas, NV (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC01-91RW00134
OSTI ID:
777469
Report Number(s):
MOL.20000419.0633
Journal Information:
Mining Engineering (Littleton, Colorado), Journal Name: Mining Engineering (Littleton, Colorado) Journal Issue: 9; ISSN 0026-5187
Publisher:
Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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