Micromechanical modeling of tuffaceous rock for application in nuclear waste storage

R. Wang, J. M. Kemeny

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper describes the development of micromechanical models for tuffaceous rock. In particular, laboratory tests have been conducted on Topopah Spring tuff from Yucca Mountain, Nevada and Apache Leap tuff from Superior, Arizona. Topopah Spring tuff is the host rock for the proposed underground nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, and Apache Leap tuff is an analog for the host rock. Based on SEM microscopy of the damaged rock specimens, the specific micro-mechanismsfor deformation in tuffs have been determined. Micromechanical models based on fracture mechanics theory are then developed for these specific mechanisms. The micromechanical models are able to predict the nonlinear stress-strain behavior of tuff, including strain-hardening, strain-softening, triaxial strength, and dilatation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1351-1357
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and
Volume30
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1993

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Engineering(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Micromechanical modeling of tuffaceous rock for application in nuclear waste storage'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this