Salt Repository Geomechanics Research Agenda

摘要

The proposed research and development program to advance disposal concepts for heat-generating waste in salt comprises four general initiatives: Laboratory Testing, Modeling and Simulations, Workshops and International Collaborations, and Field Testing. In a chronologic sense, some laboratory geomechanics studies can be started in the immediate future and would begin by adding to the data bases accumulated previously, when the U.S. supported salt repository research for heat-generating waste. The science-based testing would provide long-term benefit and could be scoped at an appropriate level of effort commensurate with national policy. Sophisticated multi-physics analysis techniques are now available to model features, events, and processes that determine salt repository performance. Thermomechanical modeling and simulation would naturally progress, beginning with a benchmark comparison of existing capabilities with similarly motivated international colleagues. These benchmark analyses would show case constitutive models as well as needed development. The third initiative promotes an internationally sanctioned workshop environment for discussion, definition, and reconciliation of technical issues. Ultimately, based on advancements from laboratory testing, enhancement of model capability, and workshop deliberations, a proof-of-principle field test could be deployed. This roadmap provides the science basis for salt repository design and performance assessment.