From process to system understanding with multi-disciplinary investigation methods: set-up and first results of the CD-A experiment (Mont Terri rock laboratory)
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
Tuanny Cajuhi
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
Sebastian Condamin
Bundesamt für Landestopografie (swisstopo), 3084 Wabern, Switzerland
Stephan Costabel
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
Oliver Czaikowski
Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit (GRS), 38122 Braunschweig, Germany
Antoine Fourriére
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
Larissa Friedenberg
Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit (GRS), 38122 Braunschweig, Germany
Markus Furche
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
Nico Graebling
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH (UFZ), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
Bastian Graupner
Eidgenössisches Nuklearsicherheitsinspektorat (ENSI), 5201 Brugg, Switzerland
Jürgen Hesser
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
David Jaeggi
Bundesamt für Landestopografie (swisstopo), 3084 Wabern, Switzerland
Kyra Jantschik
Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit (GRS), 38122 Braunschweig, Germany
Tilo Kneuker
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
Olaf Kolditz
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH (UFZ), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), 01069 Dresden, Germany
Franz Königer
Ingenieur-gesellschaft für Sensorik in der Umwelttechnic mbH (ISU), 76185 Karlsruhe, Germany
Herbert Kunz
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
Ben Laurich
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
Jobst Maßmann
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
Christian Ostertag-Henning
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
Dorothee Rebscher
Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), 30655 Hannover, Germany
Karsten Rink
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH (UFZ), 04318 Leipzig, Germany
Wolfram Rühaak
Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung, (BGE), 31224 Peine, Germany
Senecio Schefer
Bundesamt für Landestopografie (swisstopo), 3084 Wabern, Switzerland
Rainer Schuhmann
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
Marc Wengler
Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung, (BGE), 31224 Peine, Germany
Klaus Wieczorek
Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit (GRS), 38122 Braunschweig, Germany
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Tuanny Cajuhi, Jobst Maßmann, Gesa Ziefle, Thomas Nagel, and Keita Yoshioka
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 105–106, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-105-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-105-2023, 2023
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Understanding complex systems such as radioactive waste repositories involves the study of cross-scale coupled processes. We discuss some important concepts and their mutual interactions for interpreting such systems based on complementary model-based analyses at various scales. One goal statement is to explain the formation of drying cracks. Near-field understanding can be used to determine how detailed repository far-field models must be and can lead to more robust analysis results.
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This contribution aims at showing the basic, practical steps for numerical modeling with focus on the preparation and interpretation of the models and results, e.g. model calibration, verification and validation. We study the Opalinus Clay and perform laboratory and field scale simulations related to nearly the same mechanism, e.g. drying/wetting, shrinkage/swelling and cracking. We simulate the long-term Cyclic Deformation (CD-A) experiment in the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory.
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Computer simulations are used to understand processes in nuclear waste disposal. The results are used to judge the safety of waste repository. Not all the information needed for such analyses, e.g. rock properties, is precisely known, contributing to uncertainty in the analysis results. We are interested in understanding the effect of the uncertainty of input quantities and of certain simplifications made during model creation on the outcome of computer simulations.
Thomas Kohl, Ingo Sass, Olaf Kolditz, Christoph Schüth, Wolfram Rühaak, Jürgen Schamp, Judith Bremer, Bastian Rudolph, Katharina Schätzler, and Eva Schill
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 135–136, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-135-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-135-2023, 2023
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Larissa Friedenberg, Jeroen Bartol, James Bean, Steffen Beese, Hendrik Bollmann, Hans J. P. de Bresser, Jibril Coulibaly, Oliver Czaikowski, Uwe Düsterloh, Ralf Eickemeier, Ann-Kathrin Gartzke, Suzanne Hangx, Ben Laurich, Christian Lerch, Svetlana Lerche, Wenting Liu, Christoph Lüdeling, Melissa M. Mills, Nina Müller-Hoeppe, Bart van Oosterhout, Till Popp, Ole Rabbel, Michael Rahmig, Benjamin Reedlunn, Christopher Rölke, Christopher Spiers, Kristoff Svensson, Jan Thiedau, and Kornelia Zemke
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Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 105–106, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-105-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-105-2023, 2023
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Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 103–103, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-103-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-103-2023, 2023
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Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 55–55, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-55-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-55-2023, 2023
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Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 53–53, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-53-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-53-2023, 2023
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Michael Kühn, Dirk Bosbach, Horst Geckeis, Vinzenz Brendler, and Olaf Kolditz
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 195–195, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-195-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-195-2023, 2023
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Paulina Müller, Eva-Maria Hoyer, Anne Bartetzko, and Wolfram Rühaak
E&G Quaternary Sci. J., 72, 73–76, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-72-73-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-72-73-2023, 2023
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Christoph Behrens, Elco Luijendijk, Phillip Kreye, Florian Panitz, Merle Bjorge, Marlene Gelleszun, Alexander Renz, Shorash Miro, and Wolfram Rühaak
Adv. Geosci., 58, 109–119, https://doi.org/10.5194/adgeo-58-109-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/adgeo-58-109-2023, 2023
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The mathematical basics of a numerical code developed specifically for the search of a site for high-level radioactive waste in Germany is presented.
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Chaofan Chen, Tao Yuan, Renchao Lu, Cornelius Fischer, Olaf Kolditz, and Haibing Shao
Adv. Geosci., 58, 77–85, https://doi.org/10.5194/adgeo-58-77-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/adgeo-58-77-2022, 2022
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The moving distance of the diffusion front is farther away the canister center, along the direction with the neighboring layer having lower diffusion coefficient.
When the bedding angle increases, the diffusion front moves farther in z+ direction, reflecting the increase in effective diffusivity and higher impact of parallel-to-bedding diffusion.
The neighboring layers can slightly reshape the diffusion front line of the radionuclide.
Lisa Seidel and Marc Wengler
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 49–50, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-49-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-49-2021, 2021
Eva-Maria Hoyer, Phillip Kreye, Thomas Lohser, and Wolfram Rühaak
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 37–38, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-37-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-37-2021, 2021
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This contribution will provide an overview of the methodology of the forthcoming preliminary safety assessments as a significant part of the next steps in the German site selection procedure.
Eva-Maria Hoyer, Paulina Müller, Phillip Kreye, Christoph Behrens, Marc Wengler, Tobias Wengorsch, and Wolfram Rühaak
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 39–40, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-39-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-39-2021, 2021
Lisa Richter, Thies Beilecke, Raphael Dlugosch, Tilo Kneuker, Lukas Pollok, Nicole Schubarth-Engelschall, and Ralf Semroch
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 63–64, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-63-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-63-2021, 2021
Raphael Dlugosch, Thies Beilecke, Tilo Kneuker, Lukas Pollok, Lisa Richter, Nicole Schubarth-Engelschall, and Ralf Semroch
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 53–55, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-53-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-53-2021, 2021
Carlos Guevara Morel, Jobst Maßmann, and Jan Thiedau
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 173–174, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-173-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-173-2021, 2021
Larissa Friedenberg, James Bean, Oliver Czaikowski, Uwe Düsterloh, Nina Müller-Hoeppe, Ben Laurich, Christian Lerch, Svetlana Lerche, Christoph Lüdeling, Melissa Mills, Till Popp, Benjamin Reedlunn, Dieter Stührenberg, Kristoff Svensson, Kornelia Zemke, and Juan Zhao
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 121–123, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-121-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-121-2021, 2021
Kornelia Zemke, Kristoff Svensson, Ben Laurich, and Johanna Lippmann-Pipke
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 137–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-137-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-137-2021, 2021
Tuanny Cajuhi, Jobst Maßmann, and Gesa Ziefle
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 165–167, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-165-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-165-2021, 2021
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This contribution aims at showing the basic, practical steps for numerical modeling with focus on the preparation and interpretation of the models and results, e.g. model calibration, verification and validation. We study the Opalinus Clay and perform laboratory and field scale simulations related to nearly the same mechanism, e.g. drying/wetting, shrinkage/swelling and cracking. We simulate the long-term Cyclic Deformation (CD-A) experiment in the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory.
Kristoff Svensson, Kornelia Zemke, and Ben Laurich
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 131–132, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-131-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-131-2021, 2021
Klaus Wieczorek, Katja Emmerich, Rainer Schuhmann, Jürgen Hesser, Markus Furche, David Jaeggi, Senecio Schefer, Jan Aurich, Juan Carlos Mayor, Simon Norris, Ken Birch, Manuel Sentis, José Luis García-Siñeriz, Franz Königer, Uwe Glaubach, Christopher Rölke, and Ralf Diedel
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 133–135, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-133-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-133-2021, 2021
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A Sandwich shaft sealing system consists of alternating sealing segments (DS) of bentonite and equipotential segments (ES) with a high hydraulic conductivity. Water accessing the system results in swelling of the DS. Within the ES the water is evenly distributed over the cross section of the seal. Thus, swelling is more homogeneous and seal bypass is reduced. At the Mont Terri rock laboratory, this sealing system is tested in connection with the host rock in a large-scale in-situ experiment.
Bernhard Schuck and Tilo Kneuker
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 47–48, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-47-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-47-2021, 2021
Dirk Bosbach, Horst Geckeis, Frank Heberling, Olaf Kolditz, Michael Kühn, Katharina Müller, Thorsten Stumpf, and the iCROSS team
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 85–87, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-85-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-85-2021, 2021
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The present contribution provides an overview on the collaborative project iCROSS and reports selected results. The impact of considering complex coupled processes in repository subsystems for the assessment of the integrity of a given (generic) repository arrangement will be discussed. The interdisciplinary team combines experimental work in the lab, in the underground rock laboratory and environmental simulations in order to achieve process understanding across variable scales.
René Kahnt, Heinz Konietzky, Thomas Nagel, Olaf Kolditz, Andreas Jockel, Christian B. Silbermann, Friederike Tiedke, Tobias Meisel, Karsten Rink, Wenqing Wang, Florian Zill, Antje Carl, Aron D. Gabriel, Marcel Schlegel, and Torsten Abraham
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 175–177, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-175-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-175-2021, 2021
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In the framework of the Site Selection Act – StandAG, the geoscientific and planning requirements and criteria for the site selection for a repository for high-active nuclear waste are specified. This includes, among others, the modelling of hydrogeological scenarios such as how future cold and warm periods and associated glaciation events can change the (petro-)physical properties as well as the natural hydrogeological properties of the overall system which is the focus of the AREHS project.
Ben Laurich
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 295–297, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-295-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-295-2021, 2021
Ben Laurich, Jürgen Hesser, Sibylle Mayr, Lisa Winhausen, Amin Ghanizadeh, Antonia Nitsch, Julia Leuthold, Christian Weber, and Garri Gaus
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 299–300, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-299-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-299-2021, 2021
Eva-Maria Hoyer, Elco Luijendijk, Paulina Müller, Phillip Kreye, Florian Panitz, Dennis Gawletta, and Wolfram Rühaak
Adv. Geosci., 56, 67–75, https://doi.org/10.5194/adgeo-56-67-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/adgeo-56-67-2021, 2021
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The German site selection procedure to identify a site for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste is ongoing. The current step of the procedure includes representative preliminary safety analyses, for which the methodology is described and a first insight on the implementation is given. We aim to provide a document to boost communication and discussion with the scientific community and the public, although the implementation is at an early stage and may be subject to numerous changes.
Sina Hale, Xavier Ries, David Jaeggi, and Philipp Blum
Solid Earth, 12, 1581–1600, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1581-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1581-2021, 2021
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The construction of tunnels leads to substantial alterations of the surrounding rock, which can be critical concerning safety aspects. We use different mobile methods to assess the hydromechanical properties of an excavation damaged zone (EDZ) in a claystone. We show that long-term exposure and dehydration preserve a notable fracture permeability and significantly increase strength and stiffness. The methods are suitable for on-site monitoring without any further disturbance of the rock.
Swarup Chauhan, Kathleen Sell, Wolfram Rühaak, Thorsten Wille, and Ingo Sass
Geosci. Model Dev., 13, 315–334, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-315-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-315-2020, 2020
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We present CobWeb 1.0, a graphical user interface for analysing tomographic images of geomaterials. CobWeb offers different machine learning techniques for accurate multiphase image segmentation and visualizing material specific parameters such as pore size distribution, relative porosity and volume fraction. We demonstrate a novel approach of dual filtration and dual segmentation to eliminate edge enhancement artefact in synchrotron-tomographic datasets and provide the computational code.
Kristof Schuster, Markus Furche, Hua Shao, Jürgen Hesser, Jan-Martin Hertzsch, Werner Gräsle, and Dorothee Rebscher
Adv. Geosci., 49, 175–186, https://doi.org/10.5194/adgeo-49-175-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/adgeo-49-175-2019, 2019
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The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) performs experiments in the Swiss Mont Terri rock laboratory to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of a repository. Activities and results by BGR from actual and still ongoing experiments are presented exemplarily focusing on main aspects regarding the behaviour of underground facilities. BGR's focus lies mainly on aspects of the construction, post-closure transient, and partly post-closure equilibrium phases.
Miao Jing, Falk Heße, Rohini Kumar, Olaf Kolditz, Thomas Kalbacher, and Sabine Attinger
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 171–190, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-171-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-171-2019, 2019
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We evaluated the uncertainty propagation from the inputs (forcings) and parameters to the predictions of groundwater travel time distributions (TTDs) using a fully distributed numerical model (mHM-OGS) and the StorAge Selection (SAS) function. Through detailed numerical and analytical investigations, we emphasize the key role of recharge estimation in the reliable predictions of TTDs and the good interpretability of the SAS function.
Miao Jing, Falk Heße, Rohini Kumar, Wenqing Wang, Thomas Fischer, Marc Walther, Matthias Zink, Alraune Zech, Luis Samaniego, Olaf Kolditz, and Sabine Attinger
Geosci. Model Dev., 11, 1989–2007, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-11-1989-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-11-1989-2018, 2018
Stephan Costabel, Christoph Weidner, Mike Müller-Petke, and Georg Houben
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1713–1729, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1713-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1713-2018, 2018
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Laboratory experiments using water-filled sand and gravel samples with significant contents of iron oxide coatings were performed to identify the relationship between effective hydraulic radius and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) response. Our interpretation approach for the NMR data leads to reliable estimates of hydraulic conductivity without calibration, but is limited to coarse material for physical reasons. An NMR-based observation system for iron clogging in boreholes is planned.
Ben Laurich, Janos L. Urai, Christian Vollmer, and Christophe Nussbaum
Solid Earth, 9, 1–24, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-1-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-1-2018, 2018
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In Switzerland, the Opalinus Clay (OPA) formation is favored to host a repository for nuclear waste. Thus, we must know its deformation behavior. In this study, we focused on the microstructure of gouge, a thin (< 2 cm), drastically strained clay layer at the so-called Main Fault in the Mont Terri rock laboratory. We suggest that in situ gouge deforms in a more viscous manner than undeformed OPA in laboratory conditions. Moreover, we speculate about the origin and evolution of the gouge layer.
Ben Laurich, Janos L. Urai, and Christophe Nussbaum
Solid Earth, 8, 27–44, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-27-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-27-2017, 2017
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Scaly clay is a well-known rock fabric that can develop in tectonic systems and that can alter the physical rock properties of a formation. However, the internal microstructure and evolution of this fabric remain poorly understood. We examined the scaly microstructure of progressively faulted Opalinus Clay using optical as well as scanning electron microscopy. We show that as little as 1 vol.% in scaly clay aggregates is strained and present an evolutionary model for this.
Swarup Chauhan, Wolfram Rühaak, Hauke Anbergen, Alen Kabdenov, Marcus Freise, Thorsten Wille, and Ingo Sass
Solid Earth, 7, 1125–1139, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-1125-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-1125-2016, 2016
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Machine learning techniques are a promising alternative for processing (phase segmentation) of 3-D X-ray computer tomographic rock images. Here the performance and accuracy of different machine learning techniques are tested. The aim is to classify pore space, rock grains and matrix of four distinct rock samples. The porosity obtained based on the segmented XCT images is cross-validated with laboratory measurements. Accuracies of the different methods are discussed and recommendations proposed.
T. Fischer, D. Naumov, S. Sattler, O. Kolditz, and M. Walther
Geosci. Model Dev., 8, 3681–3694, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-3681-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-3681-2015, 2015
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We present a workflow to convert geological models into the open-source VTU format for usage in numerical simulation models. Tackling relevant scientific questions or engineering tasks often involves multidisciplinary approaches. Conversion workflows are needed between the diverse tools of the various disciplines. Our approach offers an open-source, platform-independent, robust, and comprehensible method that is potentially useful for a multitude of similar environmental studies.
W. He, C. Beyer, J. H. Fleckenstein, E. Jang, O. Kolditz, D. Naumov, and T. Kalbacher
Geosci. Model Dev., 8, 3333–3348, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-3333-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-3333-2015, 2015
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This technical paper presents a new tool to simulate reactive transport processes in subsurface systems and which couples the open-source software packages OpenGeoSys and IPhreeqc. A flexible parallelization scheme was developed and implemented to enable an optimized allocation of computer resources. The performance tests of the coupling interface and parallelization scheme illustrate the promising efficiency of this generally valid approach to simulate reactive transport problems.
G. Ziefle
Geoth. Energ. Sci., 2, 39–48, https://doi.org/10.5194/gtes-2-39-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/gtes-2-39-2014, 2014