Cette thèse étudie la rétention d’eau à haute HR et le retrait sous température modérée des bétons CEMI et CEMV de l’Andra, en lien avec leur microstructure.Pour étudier l’origine des variations de Sw à haute HR, du béton est séché à HR= 92-100%. Pour les deux bétons, l’échantillonnage influe significativement sur Sw. Pour le CEMI, à HR=100%, la taille joue aussi, en lien avec un mécanisme de séchage par désorption de surface ; à HR=92&98%, ce béton n’est plus sensible aux effets de surface ; il est sensible aux conditions expérimentales. Pour le CEMV, l’effet de la taille existe quelle que soit l’HR, mais il est peu sensible aux conditions expérimentales.A partir de 60°C, le retrait de dessiccation présente quatre phases en fonction de la perte de masse relative. Pour le béton CEMI séché jusqu’en phase 3 ou 4, la possible rigidification de la matrice solide est investiguée par un essai couplé de poro-élasticité et transport de gaz. Pour un même échantillon en phase 3 puis en phase 4, on mesure une légère augmentation du Ks ; la perméabilité au gaz est significativement plus sensible au confinement. Par contre, la rigidification du matériau est limitée en comparaison de l’effet d’échantillonnage.Au MEB, les phases et la morphologie des bétons sont quantifiées. Le CEM I et le CEM V ont des phases solides identiques, mais le CEM V comprend des phases spécifiques (ajout de laitiers et cendres volantes). Les C-S-H du CEM V ont un rapport C/S globalement plus bas que le CEM I. Ce rapport reste similaire pour trois gâchées différentes. Par contre, l’occurrence de pores millimétriques varie significativement, du fait de modes de mise en oeuvre sensiblement différents / This thesis focuses on water retention at high relative humidity (RH) (92-100%) and dessiccation shrinkage under moderate temperature (60-80°C) for two high performance concretes CEMI and CEMV (from Andra), in relation with their microstructure.To investigate the origins of the variations in water saturation degree Sw at high RH, both concretes are dried at RH=92, 98 and 100%, from the fully saturated state. For both concretes, sampling affects significantly Sw. For CEMI at 100%RH, sample size also affects Sw, due to surface drying (desorption); at 92 and 98%RH, CEMI is no longer sensitive to surface drying effects; it is sensitive to experimental conditions (RH, T). CEMV is affected by sample size whatever the RH, but not by experimental conditions.From 60°C drying temperature, the relationship between shrinkage and relative mass loss presents four distinct phases. CEMI concrete is dried at 65°C until phase 3 or 4, and then submitted to a coupled poro-mechanical and gas permeability test. For the same sample tested in phase 3 and then 4, a difference in solid skeleton incompressibility modulus Ks is measured, which is significantly lower than the differences in Ks due to sampling.With the Scanning Electron Microscope, the solid phases and morphology of both concretes are quantified. CEM I and CEM V comprise identical phases, even portlandite, yet CEM V concrete has some specific phases, owing to the addition of slag and fly ash. The C-S-H in CEM V have a lower C/S ratio than in CEM I. The (C/S) ratio remains similar when comparing between three different batches. Besides, millimetric pores vary significantly, owing to differences in manufacturing

The influence of several hardwoods and softwoods pulp fibre on the free shrinkage of isotropic paper sheets was investigated. The effect of properties such as density, grammage, Fractional Contact Area (FCA), Water Retention Value (WRV), fines content and fibre morphology were also investigated on the free shrinkage of isotropic paper sheets. Further, the influence of Lyocell fibre and glycerol on the free shrinkage of isotropic paper sheets is reported. Experimental results showed that in general the free shrinkage of hardwood pulps is a few percent higher than that of softwood pulps at the same density. It was found that although free shrinkage increases with fines content, a high fines content does not imply high shrinkage, and some pulp samples with higher amount of fines, exhibited lower free shrinkage. For all pulps at low densities there is little influence of grammage on free shrinkage, though as density increases a significant dependence is observed. The results showed that the free shrinkage of isotropic paper sheets formed from hardwood pulps is more sensitive to grammage compared to that of softwood pulps. Interestingly, it was shown that some pulp samples with the same intrinsic density, WRV and FCA exhibited different free shrinkage over the range of grammages. In addition, some pulp samples with stiffer fibres but higher amount of fines exhibited higher free shrinkage. Experimental results showed that longitudinal shrinkage of a fibre is an important parameter and pulp samples with higher microfibril angle (MFA) exhibited higher longitudinal shrinkage. Finally, the free shrinkage of isotropic paper sheets was reduced by applying Lyocell fibre and glycerol. Interestingly, by adding a small amount of Lyocell fibre, 2%, an increase in tensile index, tensile energy absorption (TEA) and modulus is observed, while the free shrinkage reduced up to 2%. In addition, adding glycerol to the pulp samples not only reduced the free shrinkage of isotropic paper sheets up to 1.5%, but also mechanical properties, such as tensile index and stretch slightly improved.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / A introduÃÃo de sistemas agrÃcolas no ecossistema natural altera o equilÃbrio do solo, com reflexos na sua qualidade, cujos impactos dependerÃo do tipo de manejo utilizado e da capacidade de suporte do solo. Uma das alternativas à a adoÃÃo dos sistemas agroflorestais, pois tais sistemas promovem a proteÃÃo do solo e sÃo capazes de manter a sua qualidade em condiÃÃes semelhantes a do solo sob vegetaÃÃo natural, jà que as Ãrvores favorecem as propriedades fÃsicas do solo. Assim foi desenvolvido um estudo com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade fÃsica e estrutural em um Luvissolo no semi-Ãrido cearense cultivado com sistemas de manejo agroflorestal (SAFs) e convencional, utilizando o Intervalo HÃdrico Ãtimo (IHO) e o Ãndice S. A Ãrea em estudo localiza-se na Fazenda Crioula em Sobral â CE, pertencente à EMBRAPA â CNPC. Os tratamentos selecionados, para tal estudo foram: Agrissilvipastoril (AGP), Silvipastoril (SILV), VegetaÃÃo Natural (VN) e Cultivo Intensivo em Pousio (CIP). As amostras foram submetidas a um gradiente de tensÃo de Ãgua sendo posteriormente utilizadas nas determinaÃÃes de densidade do solo (Ds), resistÃncia à penetraÃÃo de raÃzes (RP) e umidade volumÃtrica (θ). Em seguida, os resultados foram utilizados para os ajustes das curvas de retenÃÃo de Ãgua (CRA) e de resistÃncia à penetraÃÃo (CRP). AtravÃs da CRA e da CRP, foi possÃvel quantificar o IHO e a densidade do solo crÃtica (Dsc). Determinou-se tambÃm os valores dos parÃmetros da equaÃÃo de van Genuchten, para determinaÃÃo do Ãndice S. Os SAFs apresentaram melhores condiÃÃes fÃsicas e estruturais para o crescimento das plantas, tanto pela avaliaÃÃo do IHO, como pelo Ãndice S. O CIP, apresentou o menor IHO e o menor valor de S, indicando uma maior degradaÃÃo fÃsica e estrutural para o solo deste tratamento. / The introduction of agricultural systems in the natural ecosystem changes the balance of the soil, with reflections on their quality, whose impact will depend on the type of management used and the capacity to support the ground. One of the alternatives is the adoption of agroforestry systems, because these systems promote the protection of soil and are able to maintain their quality under similar conditions, the soil under natural vegetation, since the trees, encourage the soil physical properties. So a study was carried out to evaluate the quality of physical and structural Luvissolo in the semi-arid of Cearà cultivated with agroforestry systems (SAFs) and conventional, using the Least Limiting Water Range (LLWR) and the Index S. The area under study is located on the farm in Crioula Sobral - CE and belongs to the EMBRAPA - CNPC. The treatments selected for this study were: Agrosilvipasture (AGP), Silvipasture (SILV), Natural Vegetation (VN) and Intensive Cropping (CIP). The samples were subjected to a voltage gradient of water and then used in determination of soil density (Ds), resistance to penetration of roots (RP) and volumetric moisture (θv). Then, the results were used for the adjustment of the retention curve of water (CRA), and resistance to penetration (CRP). Through the CRA and the CRP, it was possible to quantify the LLWR and soil critic density (Dsc). There is also the determinate the values of the van Genuchten parameters, for determining the index S. The SAFs showed better physical and structural conditions for plants growth, both for the evaluation of the IHO, and the index S. The CIP, presented the lowest IHO and the lowest value of S, indicating greater physical and structural degradation to soil this treatment.

O conhecimento das propriedades hidráulicas do solo referentes ao movimento da água é essencial para a solução de problemas que envolvem a poluição de mananciais e aquíferos, a conservação da água e o controle da erosão. Neste contexto, as propriedades hidráulicas do solo de maior importância são a curva de retenção da água no solo, a condutividade hidráulica e a difusividade hidráulica em função do conteúdo de água no solo. O método do perfil instantâneo é um dos métodos mais utilizados na determinação da condutividade hidráulica do solo não saturado, no entanto, a suposição do gradiente de potencial total unitário, adotado nos modelos de simplificação do método do perfil instantâneo, é ainda muito questionada em perfis de solo que não sejam estritamente homogêneos e com conteúdo de água afastado da saturação. Nesse sentido, os objetivos do projeto são: (1) obter e comparar a função condutividade hidráulica do solo pelo modelo de Hillel et al. (1972) com o modelo propostos por Libardi et al. (1980) e por van Genuchten (1980); (2) verificar a influência da adoção do gradiente de potencial total unitário no modelo de Libardi et al. (1980). O método simplificado de Libardi et al. (1980) apresenta boa concordância com o método padrão de Hillel et al. (1972) em estimar a condutividade hidráulica do solo não saturado para tempos de observação superiores a 24 horas, mesmo quando o gradiente de potencial total fica relativamente distante da unidade. Para tempos de observação inferiores a 24 horas, onde o conteúdo de água é maior, o modelo de Libardi et al. (1980) superestima o valor de condutividade hidráulica. A aplicação do método de Libardi et al. (1980), também em tempos de redistribuição inferiores a 24 horas, permite obter valores mais precisos de condutividade hidráulica do solo, expressos assim por duas funções com relação ao tempo de redistribuição observado. A presença de horizontes pedológicos ocasionou o impedimento hidráulico ao movimento da água, ou seja, reduziram a condutividade hidráulica do solo não saturado. O impedimento foi proporcional à maior proximidade dos horizontes. O aumento do valor médio e da variação do gradiente de potencial total se correlacionou exponencialmente com a redução da concordância do modelo simplificado de Libardi et al. (1980) com o modelo padrão de determinação da condutividade hidráulica do solo não saturado (Hillel et al., 1972). / The knowledge of the soil hydraulic properties related to the water movement is essential for the solution of problems involving the pollution of water sources and aquifers, water conservation and erosion control. In this context, the most important hydraulic properties of the soil are the soil water retention curve, the hydraulic conductivity and the hydraulic diffusivity as a function of soil water content. The instantaneous profile method is one of the most used methods to determine the unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity, however, the assumption of the total potential gradient, adopted in the simplification models of the instantaneous profile method, is still very questioned in soil profiles that are not strictly homogeneous and with water content far from saturation. In this sense, the objectives of the project are: (1) obtain and compare the hydraulic conductivity function of the soil by the model of Hillel et al. (1972) with the model proposed by Libardi et al. (1980) and van Genuchten (1980); (2) verify the influence of the adoption of the unit total potential gradient in the model of Libardi et al. (1980). The simplified method of Libardi et al. (1980) shows good agreement with the standard method of Hillel et al. (1972) to estimate the hydraulic conductivity of the unsaturated soil for observation times greater than 24 hours, even when the total potential gradient is relatively far from the unit. For observation times shorter than 24 hours, where the water content is higher, the method by Libardi et al. (1980) overestimates the value of hydraulic conductivity. The application of the method, also in redistribution times less than 24 hours, allows to obtain more precise values of hydraulic conductivity of the soil, thus expressed by two functions with respect to the redistribution time observed. The presence of pedological horizons caused the hydraulic impedance to the water movement, that is, has reduced the hydraulic conductivity. The impediment was proportional as greater proximity the horizons have from each other. The increase in the mean value and variation of the total potential gradient correlated exponentially with the reduction of the agreement index comparing the simplified model of Libardi et al. (1980) with the standard model for determining the hydraulic conductivity of the unsaturated soil (Hillel et al., 1972).

O bioma Cerrado está cada vez mais fragmentado devido à ocupação agrícola e antrópica. Para a manutenção da biodiversidade, corredores de vegetação devem ser criados com o auxílio da revegetação e recuperação de áreas degradadas. Isto é facilitado pelo conhecimento da distribuição e dinâmica natural dos solos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o funcionamento físico-hídrico dos solos distribuídos em uma toposseqüência sob vegetação nativa. A área de estudo foi localizada dentro de uma parcela permanente instalada na Estação Ecológica de Assis, SP, Brasil, com vegetação predominante de cerradão ou savana florestada. Para a caracterização do funcionamento físico-hídrico dos solos foram realizados inicialmente estudos morfológicos, a partir da técnica da análise estrutural e da descrição de perfis de solo dispostos em cinco posições-chave da encosta. Amostras deformadas de solo foram utilizadas em análises químicas, granulométricas e densidade de partículas. Amostras indeformadas coletadas em anéis cilíndricos definiram as curvas de retenção de água e a densidade do solo. Blocos de solo foram impregnados e polidos para análise de imagens, obtendo-se a distribuição de poros em número, forma e tamanho. Em poços perfurados em três setores da toposseqüência, foi determinada a condutividade hidráulica saturada de campo. O monitoramento da umidade do solo “in situ” foi obtido por sensores instalados nos principais horizontes das trincheiras, calibrados para cada horizonte, durante o período de novembro de 2003 a novembro de 2004. Foram também utilizados os dados de precipitação mais próximos. Fotografias digitais adquiridas nos perfis de solo determinaram a distribuição das raízes. Os solos foram classificados, de montante a jusante, em Latossolo Vermelho, Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo, Latossolo Amarelo e Gleissolo Háplico, com transição homogênea de cor e predomínio de textura franco-arenosa. No horizonte de superfície da toposseqüência, pequeno número de poros complexos de diâmetro equivalente superior a 1000µm ocupou quase a área total da imagem, representando uma estrutura de empilhamento de grãos simples com porosidade maior que em profundidade. Este comportamento provocou uma menor retenção hídrica, apesar do maior teor de matéria orgânica, e oscilação da umidade do solo após cada evento chuvoso. Predominaram raízes aglomeradas ou ramificadas nesta camada. Em profundidade, as raízes são mais individuais. Nos Latossolos, maior número de poros complexos de diâmetro equivalente superior a 1000 µm ocupa menor área em Bw do que em superfície. Isto indica a presença de aglomerados de microagregados em Bw que conferem maior retenção de água, maior número de microporos e menor oscilação da umidade do solo do que em superfície. No Gleissolo, o horizonte Btg2, mais profundo e mais argiloso, apresentou estrutura mais densa representada por uma porosidade expressiva de forma arredondada ou cavitária de diâmetro de 30 a 1000 µm. Neste horizonte, foi obtida a maior retenção hídrica, drenagem imperfeita e menor condutividade hidráulica. Nos outros horizontes da toposseqüência a condutividade foi elevada. O relevo influenciou nas propriedades físicohídricas e morfológicas dos solos que, por sua vez, determinaram o conteúdo de água limitante na estação seca e em períodos de estiagem. Este comportamento pode definir o padrão florístico de cerradão na parcela permanente. / The “Cerrado” bioma is being fragmented due to the human and agricultural occupation. To maintain the biodiversity, ecological corridors must be created by the revegetation and the restoration of the degraded areas. It can only be ameliorated upon the knowledge of the soil’s natural dynamics and distribution. The aim of this work was to characterize the behavior of soil water flow and soil physical properties, distributed in a toposequence under native vegetation. The study area was in a permanent plot installed in the Assis Ecological Station, São Paulo, Brazil. The predominant vegetation is the closed “cerrado” or savanna woodland. The soil physical, hydraulic characterization depended on soil morphology. The morphological study was carried out by structural analysis and by description of soil profiles arranged in five key positions on the slope. Disturbed soil samples were taken for chemical, particle size and soil particle density analyses. Undisturbed samples collected in cylindrical cores were used to define the soil water retention and bulk density. Soil blocks were impregnated and polished for image analysis to obtain the distribution of pores in number, shape and size. In wells perforated in three sectors of the toposequence the field saturated hydraulic conductivity was determined. The soil moisture monitoring “in situ” was obtained by sensors installed in the main horizons of the pits and calibrated for each soil horizon, during the period of November 2003 to November 2004. The nearest rain volume data were collected too. Digital photos of the soil profiles were acquired for the determination of the root distribution. The soils were classified, from the top backslope down to the footslope, as Rhodic Haplustox, Typic Haplustox and Epiaquic Haplustult, with a homogeneous color transition and the predominance of a sandy loam texture. In the soil surface on the toposequence, a little number of complex pores with equivalent diameter over 1,000 µm occupied almost the total pore area, characterizing the predominance of a structure formed by the packing of single grains. The porosity was higher than in the other horizons. This behavior caused lower water retention even with the highest organic matter content. On the surface, the oscillation of the soil moisture is closely related to each rain event. The roots were distributed in ramified or grouped roots in the surface layer and individually in the deeper horizons. In Oxisols, the presence of microaggregates in the B-horizon was characterized by a number of complex pores with equivalent diameter over 1,000 µm larger than in the soil surface but in minor area than in the surface layer. This conferred higher water retention, larger number of micropores and lower oscillation of soil moisture than in soil surface. The structure of the deepest B-horizon of Epiaquic Haplustult was denser, featured by an expressive rounded or vugh porosity with diameters between 30 and 1,000 µm. This conferred the largest content of clay, with the highest water retention, imperfect drainage and lowest hydraulic conductivity. The other soil horizons in the toposequence presented greater hydraulic conductivity. The landscape influences the physical, hydraulic and morphological soil properties in the toposequence. So the water content is limited in the dry season and partially in the humid season too, which can define the floristic pattern of the closed “cerrado” in this permanent plot.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T19:24:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Gilberto Comiran.pdf: 1846926 bytes, checksum: 1b96f9d3924516f3c3a1814a89cd0014 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-07-21 / In this work, it is shown an application of a model to obtain the hydraulic conductivity of soils no saturated using concepts Fractal Geometry and the laws of Laplace and of Poiseuille. For the obtaining of the soil water retention curve it was used the camera of pressure of Richards and the experimental data of hydraulic conductivity in function of the soil water content were obtained through the Method of Hillel with the tensiometry use, according to a potency model. The equation van Genuchten with their parameters was used for the obtaining of the hydraulic conductivity. The application of the models of the Geometric Average and of the Neutral Pore suggested by Fuentes was shown simple and capable of predicting the hydraulic conductivity satisfactorily. / Neste trabalho, apresenta-se a aplicação de um modelo para se estimar a condutividade hidráulica de solos não saturados, utilizando os conceitos da Geometria Fractal e das leis de Laplace e de Poiseuille. Para a obtenção da curva de retenção de água, foi utilizada a câmara de pressão de Richards e os dados experimentais de condutividade hidráulica, em função da umidade do solo, foram obtidos através do Método de Hillel com a utilização de tensiometria, conforme um modelo de potência. A equação de van Genuchten, com seus parâmetros, foi utilizada para a obtenção da condutividade hidráulica. A aplicação dos modelos da Média Geométrica e do Poro Neutro sugerido por Fuentes mostrou-se simples e capaz de predizer a condutividade hidráulica satisfatoriamente.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-12T14:47:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Joao Fernando _Apel Miguel.pdf: 2365694 bytes, checksum: 7d9d98b6d57859a97870ad98e9d6d788 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08-15 / This trial aimed at determining the S index using a drip irrigated viticulture in a nitossol. Twenty soil samples were collected for chemical analyses at the same familiar farm in Salto do Lontra city, southwestern Paraná. Richards chamber methodology was applied to make the water retention curve. Statistical process control was chosen to check which elements were under statistical control. Only three elements of the chemical properties were within control chart limits: phosphorus, calcium and aluminum. The calculated values of S index were below the critical value of S = 0.035, which means good physical condition of the soil. / O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o índice S para um Nitossolo sob viticultura irrigada por gotejamento. Foram coletadas 20 amostras de solo para análises químicas na mesma propriedade agrícola, no município de Salto do Lontra, Sudoeste do Paraná. Foi utilizada a metodologia da câmara de Richards para a confecção da curva de retenção de água no solo. O controle estatístico de processo foi usado para verificar quais elementos químicos estavam sob controle estatístico. Os elementos das propriedades químicas que se apresentaram dentro dos limites dos gráficos de controle foram: fósforo, cálcio e alumínio. Os valores calculados do índice S ficaram abaixo do valor crítico de S = 0,035, o que significa boa condição física do solo.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-12T14:48:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Gilberto Comiran.pdf: 1846926 bytes, checksum: 1b96f9d3924516f3c3a1814a89cd0014 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-07-21 / In this work, it is shown an application of a model to obtain the hydraulic conductivity of soils no saturated using concepts Fractal Geometry and the laws of Laplace and of Poiseuille. For the obtaining of the soil water retention curve it was used the camera of pressure of Richards and the experimental data of hydraulic conductivity in function of the soil water content were obtained through the Method of Hillel with the tensiometry use, according to a potency model. The equation van Genuchten with their parameters was used for the obtaining of the hydraulic conductivity. The application of the models of the Geometric Average and of the Neutral Pore suggested by Fuentes was shown simple and capable of predicting the hydraulic conductivity satisfactorily. / Neste trabalho, apresenta-se a aplicação de um modelo para se estimar a condutividade hidráulica de solos não saturados, utilizando os conceitos da Geometria Fractal e das leis de Laplace e de Poiseuille. Para a obtenção da curva de retenção de água, foi utilizada a câmara de pressão de Richards e os dados experimentais de condutividade hidráulica, em função da umidade do solo, foram obtidos através do Método de Hillel com a utilização de tensiometria, conforme um modelo de potência. A equação de van Genuchten, com seus parâmetros, foi utilizada para a obtenção da condutividade hidráulica. A aplicação dos modelos da Média Geométrica e do Poro Neutro sugerido por Fuentes mostrou-se simples e capaz de predizer a condutividade hidráulica satisfatoriamente.

This research investigated carbon dynamics, water dynamics and peat formation at Wellington Plain peatland in the Victorian Alps. The properties of bog peat and dried peat were measured, and the ensuing results are outlined below. The carbon chemistries of both bog peat and dried peat displayed changes with depth consistent with an increase in the extent of decomposition of the organic material. Representative changes in the alkyl:O-alkyl ratio down the profile were 0.14 to 0.96 for bog peat and 0.28 to 1.07 for dried peat. Laboratory incubations on the influence of chemistry, particle size, water content and sample preparation indicated that, in the absence of confounding factors, peat chemistry was the most important factor in determining the size of the mineralisable carbon pool. Water content was the most important factor in determining the rate of carbon mineralization. In the field, both bog peat and dried peat emitted an average of 2 g CO2/m2/d from the surface. Carbon mineralisation was related to both soil temperature and soil water content, and this relationship was used to model peat mineralisation under a range of possible future climate scenarios. Below the surface, however, I measured lower rates of decomposition in the dried peat than in the bog peat. The water-holding capacity of peat was measured in the laboratory, as was the rate of water movement through peat. Specific yield decreased down the profile in both bog peat (0.88 to 0.45 cm3/cm3) and dried peat (0.36 to 0.11 cm3/cm3). Hydraulic conductivity also decreased down the profile in both peats: 5.1x10-4 to 3.0x10-6 m/s in bog peat, and 1.0x10-4 to 7.0x10-6 m/s in dried peat. Relationships between the hydrologic properties of peat and its physical and chemical properties were identified. In the field, fluctuations in the watertable were monitored in concert with rainfall. These laboratory and field measurements enabled me to develop models of the hydrology of bog peat and dried peat. Radioisotope dating indicated that both bog peat and dried peat began forming around 3300 years ago. The bog peat appeared to have drained to form dried peat between 131 and 139 years ago. Since that time, erosion appeared to have contributed more to the loss of organic material from dried peat than carbon mineralisation had.

Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical (THM) behavior in geological porous media has been a subject of great interest in many geoengineering disciplines. Many attempts have been made to develop numerical prediction capabilities associated with topics such as the movement of pollutant plumes, gas injection, energy storage, geothermal energy extraction, and safety assessment of repositories for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. This thesis presents a new numerical modeling approach and a new computer code for simulating coupled THM behavior in geological porous media in general, and compacted bentonite clays in particular, as buffer materials in underground radioactive waste repositories. New governing equations were derived according to the theory of mixtures, considering interactions among solid-phase deformation, flows of water and gases, heat transport, and phase change of water. For three-dimensional problems, eight governing equations were formulated to describe the coupled THM processes. A new thermal conductivity model was developed to predict the thermal conductivity of geological porous media as composite mixtures. The proposed model considers the combined effects of solid mineral composition, temperature, liquid saturation degree, porosity and pressure on the effective thermal conductivity of the porous media. The predicted results agree well with the experimental data for MX80 bentonite. A new water retention curve model was developed to predict the suction-saturation behavior of the geological porous media, as a function of suction, effective saturated degree, temperature, porosity, pore-gas pressure, and the rate of saturation degree change with time. The model was verified against experimental data of the FEBEX bentonite, with good agreement between measured and calculated results. A new finite element code (ROLG) was developed for modeling fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in geological porous media. The new code was validated against several analytical solutions and experiments, and was applied to simulate the large scale in-situ Canister Retrieval Test (CRT) at Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory, SKB, Sweden, with good agreement between measured and predicted results. The results are useful for performance and safety assessments of radioactive waste repositories. / QC20100720 / THERESA