Bentonite Mechanical Evolution

The sealing ability is essential for the engineered clay (bentonite) barriers in all geological repository concepts. The overall objective of the Beacon project is to develop and test the tools necessary for the assessment of the mechanical evolution of an installed bentonite barrier and the resulting sealing ability of the barrier.

It will require a more detailed understanding of material properties, of the fundamental processes that lead to homogenisation and of the role of scale effects, as well as improved capabilities for numerical modelling.