The intent of this thesis is to contribute to the understanding of the origin of fractures in rock. The man-made fracturing from engineering activities in crystalline rock as well as the fracturing induced by the natural process of meteorite impacts is studied by means of various characterization methods. In contrast to engineering induced rock fracturing, where the goal usually is to minimize rock damage, meteorite impacts cause abundant fracturing in the surrounding bedrock. In a rock mass the interactions of fractures on the microscopic scale (mm-cm scale) influence fractures on the mesoscopic scale (dm-m scale) as well as the interaction of the mesocopic fractures influencing fractures on the macroscopic scale (m-km scale). Thus, among several methods used on different scales, two characterization tools have been developed further. This investigation ranges from the investigation of micro-fracturing in ultra-brittle rock on laboratory scale to the remote sensing of fractures in large scale structures, such as meteorite impacts. On the microscopic scale, the role of fractures pre-existing to the laboratory testing is observed to affect the development of new fractures. On the mesoscopic scale, the evaluation of the geometric information from 3D-laser scanning has been further developed for the characterisation of fractures from tunnelling and to evaluate the efficiency of the tunnel blasting technique in crystalline rock. By combining information on: i) the overbreak and underbreak; ii) the orientation and visibility of blasting drillholes and; iii) the natural and blasting fractures in three dimensions; a analysis of the rock mass can be made. This analysis of the rock mass is much deeper than usually obtained in rock engineering for site characterization in relation to the blasting technique can be obtained based on the new data acquisition. Finally, the estimation of fracturing in and around two meteorite impact structures has been used to reach a deeper understanding of the relation between fracture, their water content and the electric properties of the rock mass. A correlation between electric resistivity and fracture frequency in highly fractured crystalline rock has been developed and applied to potential impact crater structures. The results presented in this thesis enables more accurate modelling of rock fractures, both supporting rock engineering design and interpretation of meteorite impact phenomena. / QC 20100709

Les déchets radioactifs sont stockés dans des milieux poreux multi-phasiques. Un nouveau modèle d'endommagement, formulé en variable indépendantes (contrainte nette, succion et contrainte thermique) est proposé pour ces géomatériaux. La variable d'endommagement est un tenseur d'ordre deux, dont les valeurs principales croissent avec la tension. Les relations contrainte/déformation sont dérivées de l'énergie libre, dont l'expression est postulée. Les rigidités dégradées sont calculées en appliquant le principe de l'Energie Elastique Equivalente pour chaque variable d'état. La fissuration est prise en compte dans les transferts d'humidité, au moyen de longueurs internes. Le modèle d'endommagement a été intégré dans le code d'Eléments Finis Θ-Stock. Le modèle mécanique a été validé en comparant des résultats numériques à des résultats expérimentaux et théoriques. Les tendances données par le modèle dans les études paramétriques sur des configurations réalistes complexes sont bonnes.

Le couplage entre l'endommagement et la perméabilité des roches suscite un intérêt grandissant pour des applications industrielles. C'est le cas par exemple du problème de la fissuration autour des galeries (EDZ) de stockage de déchets radioactifs qui peut augmenter considérablement la perméabilité et constituer, de ce fait, un risque sérieux pour l'étanchéité et la sûreté de ces ouvrages. Le même phénomène peut se produire dans le béton des enceintes des centrales nucléaires ainsi que dans les roches réservoirs pétrolifères. Des recherches à caractère expérimental sur ce sujet, particulèrement au laboratoire G.3S-LMS de l'Ecole Polytechnique, ont permis de déterminer les ordres de grandeur de l'effet de l'endommagement sur la perméabilité. Mais une modélisation numérique de ce phénomène permettant d'établir des lois rhéologiques restait à faire, et c'était l'objectif principal de ce travail.

Clay shales are currently being assessed as possible host rock formations for the deep geological disposal of radioactive waste. However, one main concern is that the favourable long-term isolation properties of the intact rock mass could be negatively affected by the formation of an excavation damaged zone (EDZ) around the underground openings. This thesis investigated the deformation and failure process of a clay shale, namely Opalinus Clay, with particular focus on the influence of anisotropy on the short-term response of circular tunnels. To achieve this goal, a hybrid continuum-discontinuum numerical approach was used in combination with new field measurements from the Mont Terri underground research laboratory. The response of Opalinus Clay during the excavation of a full-scale emplacement (FE) test tunnel was characterized by geodetic monitoring of wall displacements, radial extensometers and longitudinal inclinometers. The deformation measurements indicated strong directionality induced by the combined effect of in situ stress field and presence of bedding planes striking parallel to the tunnel axis, with the most severe deformation occurring in the direction approximately perpendicular to the material layering. Computer simulations were conducted using a newly-extended combined finite-discrete element method (FEM/DEM), a numerical technique which allows the explicit simulation of brittle fracturing and associated seismicity. The numerical experimentation firstly focused on the laboratory-scale analysis of failure processes (e.g., acoustic activity) in brittle rocks, and on the role of strength and modulus anisotropy in the failure behaviour of Opalinus Clay in tension and compression. The fracturing behaviour of unsupported circular excavations in laminated rock masses was then analyzed under different in situ stress conditions. Lastly, the modelling methodology was applied to the aforementioned FE tunnel to obtain original insights into the possible EDZ formation process around emplacement tunnels for nuclear waste. The calibrated numerical model suggested delamination along bedding planes and subsequent extensional fracturing as key mechanisms of the damage process potentially leading to buckling and spalling phenomena. Overall, the research findings may have a potential impact on the constructability and support design of an underground repository as well as implications for its long-term safety assessment procedure.

Clay shales are currently being assessed as possible host rock formations for the deep geological disposal of radioactive waste. However, one main concern is that the favourable long-term isolation properties of the intact rock mass could be negatively affected by the formation of an excavation damaged zone (EDZ) around the underground openings. This thesis investigated the deformation and failure process of a clay shale, namely Opalinus Clay, with particular focus on the influence of anisotropy on the short-term response of circular tunnels. To achieve this goal, a hybrid continuum-discontinuum numerical approach was used in combination with new field measurements from the Mont Terri underground research laboratory. The response of Opalinus Clay during the excavation of a full-scale emplacement (FE) test tunnel was characterized by geodetic monitoring of wall displacements, radial extensometers and longitudinal inclinometers. The deformation measurements indicated strong directionality induced by the combined effect of in situ stress field and presence of bedding planes striking parallel to the tunnel axis, with the most severe deformation occurring in the direction approximately perpendicular to the material layering. Computer simulations were conducted using a newly-extended combined finite-discrete element method (FEM/DEM), a numerical technique which allows the explicit simulation of brittle fracturing and associated seismicity. The numerical experimentation firstly focused on the laboratory-scale analysis of failure processes (e.g., acoustic activity) in brittle rocks, and on the role of strength and modulus anisotropy in the failure behaviour of Opalinus Clay in tension and compression. The fracturing behaviour of unsupported circular excavations in laminated rock masses was then analyzed under different in situ stress conditions. Lastly, the modelling methodology was applied to the aforementioned FE tunnel to obtain original insights into the possible EDZ formation process around emplacement tunnels for nuclear waste. The calibrated numerical model suggested delamination along bedding planes and subsequent extensional fracturing as key mechanisms of the damage process potentially leading to buckling and spalling phenomena. Overall, the research findings may have a potential impact on the constructability and support design of an underground repository as well as implications for its long-term safety assessment procedure.

Prior to an underground excavation a site investigation is carried out. This includes reviewing and analysing existing data, field data collected through outcrop mapping, drill core logging and geophysical investigations. These data sources are combined and used to characterise, quantify and classify the rock mass for the tunnel design process and excavation method selection. Despite the best approaches used in a site investigation, it cannot reveal the required level of detail. Such gaps in information might become significant during the actual construction stage. This can lead to; for example, over-break due to unfavourable geological conditions. Even more so, an underestimation of the rock mass properties can lead to unplanned stoppages and tunnel rehabilitation. On-the-other-hand, the excavation method itself, in this case, drill and blast, can also cause severe damage to the rock mass. This can result in over-break and reduction of the strength and quality of the remaining rock mass. Both of these attributes pose risks for the tunnel during excavation and after project delivery. Blast damage encompasses over-break and the Excavation Damage Zone (EDZ). In the latter irreversible changes occur within the remaining rock mass inside this zone, which are physically manifested as blast fractures. In this thesis, a number of methods to determine blast damage have been investigated in two ramp tunnels of the Stockholm bypass. Herein, a comparison between the most common methods for blast damage investigation employed nowadays is performed. This comparison can be used to select the most suitable methods for blast damage investigation in tunnelling, based on the environment and the available resources. In this thesis Ground Penetrating Radar, core logging (for fractures) and P-wave velocity measurements were applied to determine the extent of the blast damage. Furthermore, the study of the two tunnels in the Stockholm bypass shows a significant overestimation of the actual rock mass quality during the site investigation. In order to gain a more accurate picture of the rock mass quality, Measurement While Drilling (MWD) technology was applied. The technology was investigated for rock mass quality prediction, quantifying the extent of blast damage, as well as to investigate the potential to forecast the required rock support. MWD data was collected from both grout and blast holes. These data sets were used to determine rock quality indices e.g. Fracture Indication and Hardness Indicator calculated by the MWD parameters. The Fracture Index was then compared with the installed rock support at the measurement location. Lastly, the extent of the damage is investigated by evaluating if the MWD parameters could forecast the extent of the EDZ. The study clearly shows the capability of MWD data to predict the rock mass characteristics, e.g. fractures and other zones of weakness. This study demonstrated that there is a correlation between the Fracture Index (MWD) and the Q-value, a parameter widely used to determine the required rock support. The study also shows a correlation between the extent of the blast damage zone, MWD data, design and excavation parameters (for example tunnel cross section and charge concentration).

Les études de faisabilité concernant le stockage géologique profond des déchets radioactifs ont conduit un intérêt accru concernant la modélisation géomécanique de la roche hte. En France, une roche hte potentielle est l'argilite du Callovo-Oxfordien du site de Meuse/Haute Marne. Etant donné que le principe de stockage géologique profond repose fortement sur la capacité de confinement de la formation hte, sa faible perméabilité est d'une importance clé. La perméabilité étant dépendante de la microstructure du matériau et de son évolution sous chargement, le comportement couplé hydro-mécanique de l'argilite est important. En effet, des modifications mécaniques sont induites par le creusement de la galerie d'entreposage, générant une zone endommagée (EDZ), pouvant conduire une modification de la perméabilité dans le voisinage de la galerie. Dans les matériaux microstructure complexe comme l'argilite du Callovo-Oxfordien, le comportement macroscopique trouve son origine dans l'interaction des constituants micro-mécaniques. En plus du couplage entre le comportement hydraulique et mécanique, un couplage entre les échelles micro et macro existe. Par le biais de l'élaboration d'un cadre d'homogénéisation du couplage hydro-mécanique, une approche de modélisation deuxéchelles est développée dans ce travail, dans laquelle la relation constitutive macroscopique découle directement du comportement à l'échelle microscopique. Un modèle existant du couplage hydro-mécanique, reposant sur l'identification de grains et d'espaces poreux intergranulaires à l'échelle micro est adopté comme point de départ. Ce modèle repose sur une homogénéisation numérique du comportement à la petite échelle afin d'obtenir à l'échelle macroscopique la réponse en contrainte et de transport du fluide interstitiel. Ce modèle est basé sur un VER périodique qui permet de déduire le comportement macroscopique local de l'argilite. En réponse, en un point d'intégration macro donné, à un incrément de la déformation et du gradient de pression, la réponse du VER permet d'exprimer l'incrément de contrainte et de flux associé, constituant de fait un équivalent numérique de la relation constitutive. Les problèmes aux conditions limites macro et micro sont traités simultanément par la méthode élément fini. Pour obtenir les opérateurs tangents consistants à l'échelle macro, la méthode d'homogénéisation par condensation statique des opérateurs tangeants micro est étendu au cas avec couplage hydro-mécanique. L'implémentation du modèle double échelle et la mise en uvre des développements théoriques d'homogénéisation ont été effectués dans le code élément fini Lagamine (Université de Liège). Pour la modélisation de la localisation de la déformation à l'échelle macro, qui, dans un formalisme de milieu continu classique, souffre de la dépendance au maillage, l'approche double-échelle a été utilisée dans un formalisme de milieu enrichi de type milieu de second gradient pour matériau poreux saturé. Les capacités du modèle homogénéisé numériquement, utilisé dans un cadre de milieu de second gradient, sont ensuite démontrées par des simulations d'essais dométriques et d'essais de compression biaxiaux. L'approche se confirme être un moyen puissant pour modéliser l'anisotropie initiale et induite du comportement mécanique et du comportement hydraulique. Pour la modélisation du comportement de l'argilite du Callovo-Oxfordien, des VER sont construits en tenant compte des travaux de caractérisation de la géométrie des inclusions microscopiques et des résultats expérimentaux d'essais macroscopiques.La loi de comportement homogénéisée numériquement ainsi calibrée est utilisée dans des simulations de creusement de galerie jusqu'à des niveaux d'endommagement générant une localisation de la déformation.Ces calculs montrent à la fois la pertinence et l'applicabilité du concept double échelle pour l'évaluation du comportement hydromécanique des EDZ dans un contexte du stockage des déchets radioactifs. / Feasibility studies for deep geological radioactive waste disposal facilities have led to an increased interest in the geomechanical modelling of its host rock. In France, a potential host rock is the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone. The low permeability of this material is of key importance, as the principal of deep geological disposal strongly relies on the sealing capacity of the host formation. The permeability being coupled to the mechanical material state, hydromechanical coupled behaviour of the claystone becomes important when mechanical alterations are induced by gallery excavation in the so-called excavation damaged zone (EDZ). In materials with microstructure such as the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone [Robinet et al., 2012], the macroscopic behaviour has its origin in the interaction of its mi- cromechanical constituents. In addition to the coupling between hydraulic and mech- anical behaviour, a coupling between the micro (material microstructure) and macro will be made. By means of the development of a framework of computational homo- genization for hydromechanical coupling, a doublescale modelling approach is formu- lated, for which the macroscale constitutive relations are derived from the microscale by homogenization. An existing model for the modelling of hydromechanical coupling based on the distinct definition of grains and intergranular pore space [Frey, 2010] is adopted and modified to enable the application of first order computational homogenization for obtaining macroscale stress and fluid transport responses. This model is used to constitute a periodic representative elementary volume (REV) that allows the rep- resentation of the local macroscopic behaviour of the claystone. As a response to deformation loading, the behaviour of the REV represents the numerical equivalent of a constitutive relation at the macroscale. For the required consistent tangent operators, the framework of computational homogenization by static condensation [Kouznetsova et al., 2001] is extended to hy- dromechanical coupling. The theoretical developments of this extension are imple- mented in the finite element code Lagamine (Li` ege) as an independent constitutive relation. For the modelling of localization of deformation, which in classical FE meth- ods suffers from the well-known mesh dependency, the doublescale approach of hy- dromechanical coupling is combined with a local second gradient model [Collin et al., 2006] to control the internal length scale of localized deformation. By accepting the periodic boundary conditions as a regularization of the microscale deformation, the use of the multiscale model in combination with the local second gradient model can be used for modelling localization phenomena in HM-coupled settings with material softening. The modelling capacities of the approach are demonstrated by means of simula- tions of oedometer tests and biaxial compression tests. The approach is demonstrated to be a powerful way to model anisotropy in the mechanical as well as the hydraulic behaviour of the material both in the initial material state and as an effect of hy- dromechanical alterations. For the application to the modelling of Callovo-Oxfordian claystone, microstructural REVs are calibrated to geometrical characteristics of the inclusion that form the microstructure under consideration and to macroscale ex- perimental results of the mechanical behaviour. The calibrated constitutive relation is used in the simulation of gallery excavation processes. These computations give a proof of concept of the doublescale assessment of the hydromechanical behaviour of the excavation damaged zones around galleries in the context of nuclear waste disposal.

Ce rapport présente des méthodes de prétraitement, d'analyse statistique et d'interprétation de chroniques hydrogéologiques de massifs peu perméables (argilites) dans le cadre d'études sur le stockage profond de déchets radioactifs. Les séries temporelles analysées sont la pression interstitielle et la pression atmosphérique, en relation avec différents phénomènes (marées terrestres, effet barométrique, évolution de l'excavation des galeries). Les pré-traitements permettent de reconstituer et homogénéiser les chroniques de données en présence de lacunes, aberrations, et pas de temps variables. Les signaux prétraités sont ensuite analysés en vue de caractériser les propriétés hydrauliques du massif peu perméable (emmagasinement spécifique ; porosité effective). Pour cela, on a développé et mis en oeuvre les méthodes d'analyses suivantes (implémentées en Matlab): analyses corrélatoires et spectrales (Fourier) ; analyses ondelettes multirésolution ; enveloppes de signaux aléatoires. Cette méthodologie est appliquée aux données acquises au Laboratoire Souterrain du Consortium International du Mont Terri (Jura Suisse), ainsi qu'à certaines données des Laboratoires Souterrains de Tournemire (Aveyron) et de Meuse / Haute-Marne (ANDRA) / This report presents a set of statistical methods for pre-processing and analyzing multivariate hydrogeologic time series, such as pore pressure and its relation to atmospheric pressure. The goal is to study the hydrogeologic characteristics of low permeability geologic formations (argilite) in the context of deep disposal of radioactive waste. The pressure time series are analyzed in relation with different phenomena, such as earth tides, barometric effects, and the evolution of excavated galleries. The pre-processing is necessary for reconstituting and homogenizing the time series in the presence of data gaps, outliers, and variable time steps. The preprocessed signals are then analyzed with a view to characterizing the hydraulic properties of this type of low permeability formation (specific storativity; effective porosity). For this sake, we have developed and used the following methods (implemented in Matlab): temporal correlation analyses; spectral/Fourier analyses; multiresolution wavelet analyses envelopes of random processes. This methodology is applied to data collected at the URL (Underground Research Laboratory) of the Mont Terri International Consortium (Swiss Jura), as well as some other data collected at the URL of IRSN at Tournemire (Aveyron) and at the URL of ANDRA (Meuse / Haute-Marne)

Sedimentary rocks are characterized with very low permeability (in the order of 10-22 m2), low diffusivity, a possible self-healing of fractures, and a good capacity to retard radionuclide transport. In recent years, sedimentary rocks are investigated by many research groups for their suitability for the disposal of radioactive waste. Development of deep geologic repositories (DGRs) for the storage of radioactive waste within these formations causes progressive modification to the state of stress, to the groundwater regime, and to the chemistry of the rock mass. Thermal effects due to the ongoing nuclear activity can cause additional disturbances to the system. All these changes in the system are coupled and time-dependent processes. These coupled processes can result in the development of an excavation damaged zone (EDZ) around excavations. More permeable than the undisturbed rock, the EDZ is likely to be a preferential pathway for water and gas flow. Consequently, the EDZ could be a potential exit pathway for the radioactive waste to biosphere. An investigation of the Hydraulic-Mechanical (HM) and Thermal-Hydraulic-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) behaviour of sedimentary rock formations is essential for the development of DGRs within such formations. This research work consists of (1) an experimental investigation of the mechanical behaviour of the anisotropic Tournemire argillite, (2) modeling of the mechanical behaviour of the Tournemire argillite, and (3) numerical simulations of the mechanical and hydromechanical behavior of two host sedimentary rocks, the Tournemire argillite and Cobourg limestone, for deep geological repository for nuclear wastes. The experimental program includes the measurements of the physical properties of the Tournemire argillite and its mechanical response to loading during uniaxial compression tests, triaxial compression tests with different confining pressures, unconfined and confined cyclic compression tests, Brazilian tests, and creep tests. Also, acoustic emission events are recorded to detect the initiation and propagation of microcracks within the rock during the uniaxial testing. The approach for modeling the mechanical behaviour of the Tournemire argillite consists of four components: elastic properties of the argillite, a damage model, the proposed concept of mobilized strength parameters, and the classical theory of elastoplasticity. The combination of the four components results in an elastoplastic-damage model for describing the mechanical behaviour of the Tournemire argillite. The capabilities of the model are evaluated by simulating laboratory experiments. Numerical simulations consist of: (1) a numerical simulation of a mine-by-test experiment at the Tournemire site (France), and (2) numerical simulations of the mechanical and hydromechanical behaviour of the Cobourg limestone within the EDZ (Canada). The parameters influencing the initiation and evolution of EDZ over time in sedimentary rocks are discussed.

Sedimentary rocks are characterized with very low permeability (in the order of 10-22 m2), low diffusivity, a possible self-healing of fractures, and a good capacity to retard radionuclide transport. In recent years, sedimentary rocks are investigated by many research groups for their suitability for the disposal of radioactive waste. Development of deep geologic repositories (DGRs) for the storage of radioactive waste within these formations causes progressive modification to the state of stress, to the groundwater regime, and to the chemistry of the rock mass. Thermal effects due to the ongoing nuclear activity can cause additional disturbances to the system. All these changes in the system are coupled and time-dependent processes. These coupled processes can result in the development of an excavation damaged zone (EDZ) around excavations. More permeable than the undisturbed rock, the EDZ is likely to be a preferential pathway for water and gas flow. Consequently, the EDZ could be a potential exit pathway for the radioactive waste to biosphere. An investigation of the Hydraulic-Mechanical (HM) and Thermal-Hydraulic-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) behaviour of sedimentary rock formations is essential for the development of DGRs within such formations. This research work consists of (1) an experimental investigation of the mechanical behaviour of the anisotropic Tournemire argillite, (2) modeling of the mechanical behaviour of the Tournemire argillite, and (3) numerical simulations of the mechanical and hydromechanical behavior of two host sedimentary rocks, the Tournemire argillite and Cobourg limestone, for deep geological repository for nuclear wastes. The experimental program includes the measurements of the physical properties of the Tournemire argillite and its mechanical response to loading during uniaxial compression tests, triaxial compression tests with different confining pressures, unconfined and confined cyclic compression tests, Brazilian tests, and creep tests. Also, acoustic emission events are recorded to detect the initiation and propagation of microcracks within the rock during the uniaxial testing. The approach for modeling the mechanical behaviour of the Tournemire argillite consists of four components: elastic properties of the argillite, a damage model, the proposed concept of mobilized strength parameters, and the classical theory of elastoplasticity. The combination of the four components results in an elastoplastic-damage model for describing the mechanical behaviour of the Tournemire argillite. The capabilities of the model are evaluated by simulating laboratory experiments. Numerical simulations consist of: (1) a numerical simulation of a mine-by-test experiment at the Tournemire site (France), and (2) numerical simulations of the mechanical and hydromechanical behaviour of the Cobourg limestone within the EDZ (Canada). The parameters influencing the initiation and evolution of EDZ over time in sedimentary rocks are discussed.