SAFE Barriers - a Systems Approach For Engineered Barriers

Completed

Nuclear Fission and Fusion(Nuclear Fission, Nuclear supporting technologies)

Basic and strategic applied research

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Civil Engineering)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences)

Not Cross-cutting

Prof RJ Lunn
Civil Engineering
University of Strathclyde

Standard

EPSRC

30 September 2012

29 March 2017

54 months

£1,339,398

Energy

Scotland

Energy : Energy

Prof RJ Lunn, Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde

Dr GD Bromiley, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh
Dr I Butler, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh
Dr EA Charles, School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Newcastle University
Professor KA Cliffe, Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham
Dr CT Davie, Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University
Dr D Gallipoli, Aerospace Engineering, University of Glasgow
Dr P Grassl, Aerospace Engineering, University of Glasgow
Dr NP Hankins, Engineering Science, University of Oxford
Professor SL Harley, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh
Dr J Harrington, Land Use, Planning and Development, British Geological Survey (BGS) - NERC
Dr P Sentenac, Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde
Professor ZK Shipton, Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde
Professor A Tarantino, Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde
Professor HR Thomas, Engineering, Cardiff University
Dr S Tripathy, Engineering, Cardiff University
Professor PL Younger, Engineering, University of Glasgow
Dr K G van der Zee, Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham

Scientific objectives are:1. To deploy and refine advanced monitoring technologies for simultaneous imaging of THMC variables (pH, temperature, pore-water pressure, swelling etc) within the laboratory. We will embed state-of-the-art micro-to-nano scale wireless devices into bentonite, and combine these with micro-scale geophysical and magnetic monitoring surveys, to illuminate 2D and 3D heterogeneities in THMC behaviour.2. To integrate these monitoring technologies with experiments to gain a predictive understanding of the THMC evolution of clay-based engineered barriers, and their interfaces, up to the upper-bound of realistic environmental conditions. Interfaces will comprise joints within the clay as well as interfaces to the surrounding rock, cement and waste container. Experiments and modelling will focus on the effects of strong gradients in temperature (<150 degrees C), low pH cements and high salinity (10-40 g/l) across the EBS interfaces, and on the fingering of flow along joints and interfaces that may give rise to a heterogeneous THMC system response

06/02/12