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Inverse and predictive modeling of seepage into underground openings
S Finsterle1, C F Ahlers, R C Trautz
1Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Mail Stop 90-1116, One Cyclotron Road, 94720, USA. SAFinsterle@lbl.gov
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
|April 26, 2003
Summary
This study developed and calibrated a model to predict groundwater seepage into underground openings, crucial for nuclear waste repository safety. The model uses fracture permeability data to accurately estimate seepage rates.
Area of Science:
- Geosciences
- Hydrogeology
- Nuclear Waste Management
Background:
- Groundwater seepage poses risks to underground structures, particularly nuclear waste repositories.
- Accurate prediction of seepage is vital for assessing the long-term performance and safety of potential repositories like Yucca Mountain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and calibrate a predictive model for seepage into underground openings.
- To assess the model's ability to estimate seepage rates in heterogeneous fracture networks.
Main Methods:
- Development of 3D numerical models simulating field tests with controlled water release.
- Geostatistical analysis of air-injection test data to characterize fracture permeability heterogeneity.
- Calibration of a heterogeneous continuum model against measured seepage data.
Main Results:
- Successful calibration of the seepage prediction model using field test data.
- Estimation of site-specific parameters for seepage prediction at the relevant scale.
- Validation of the model's predictive capability through comparison with additional experimental seepage rates.
Conclusions:
- The developed heterogeneous continuum model effectively predicts seepage into underground openings.
- An effective capillary strength parameter is suitable for characterizing seepage processes in predictive models.
- The model provides a reliable tool for assessing seepage into potential nuclear waste emplacement drifts.