Numerical modelling of heat and moisture transport through bentonite–sand buffer

A computer code TRUCHAM developed to model the coupled heat and moisture flow through a porous medium is used to assess the thermohydraulic performance of the clay-based engineered barrier encapsulating nuclear waste containers in a deep geological disposal vault in the borehole emplacement concept. This paper contains an overview of the development of the numerical model and its application to the buffer–container experiment at the Underground Research Laboratory of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Research. The thermohydraulic transport parameters required for the analysis were determined by specially designed laboratory experiments. The needs for further development of the model and the material properties are identified. Key words : buffer, clay barrier, coupled heat and moisture, heater experiment, numerical model, nuclear waste disposal, thermal diffusivity, unsaturated soil.