Exploratory development study objectives

Once objectives have been defined, a study protocol including an appropriate QA/QC program is developed. Initially, both literature and information searches should be made. If possible, selected field measurements based on an assumed dispersion model can also be made. The objective of the exploratory study is to obtain the best possible answers to the following questions. 

Abstract Modeling of the drift-scale heater test at the Exploratory Studies Facility at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, U.S.A. was performed. The objectives of the analysis were to investigate the (i) temperature effects on mechanical deformation surrounding the heated drift and (ii) thermal-mechanical effects on rock-mass permeability. The continuum representation of a deformation-permeability relationship based on fracture normal stress was developed to assess rock-mass permeability variations because of temperature changes. The estimated rock-mass displacements and permeability variations as a function of heating time were compared with field measurements. The estimated trend of permeability responses using a normal stress-based deformation-permeability relationship compared reasonably to that measured. 

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