The study explores the partial root zone drying method, an irrigation strategy aimed at improving water use efficiency. We imaged the root–soil interaction using non-destructive techniques consisting of soil and plant current stimulation. The study found that imaging the processes in time was effective in identifying spatial patterns associated with irrigation and root water uptake. The results will be useful for developing more efficient root detection methods in natural soil conditions.

This presentation discusses a series of in situ experiments of fault activation by fluid injection conducted in argillite rock at the Mont Terri underground research laboratory in Switzerland to better understand whether pressurization of natural faults can lead to their reactivation and permeability generation in case such features are present near disposal tunnels. Lessons learned from these experiments help inform the safety assessment of geologic disposal in argillite host rock.

More than a decade ago, the US Department of Energy (DOE) initiated a new research and development (R&D) program to provide a sound technical basis for geologic disposal options across clay, crystalline, and salt host rocks. The program established partnerships with international institutions and developed a number of collaborative R&D activities. This presentation gives an overview of these activities, with a focus on the coupled processes occurring in engineered and natural barriers.

This presentation gives an overview of an international research collaboration for advancing the understanding and modeling of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in geological systems. DECOVALEX emphasizes joint analysis and comparative modeling of state-of-the-art field and laboratory experiments, across a range of host rock options and repository designs.

This presentation gives on overview of the complex thermo-hydro-mechanical and chemical (THMC) processes occurring upon the disposal of heat-producing high-level radioactive waste in geologic repositories. Here, we present initial investigations of repository behavior exposed to strongly elevated temperatures.