GEOSCALE – Geosphere models as a tool for improving confidence in site characterization and assessment of long-term evolution and safety

Introduction

The EURAD-2 WP GEOSCALE aims to strengthen and harmonise the use of geosphere models in nuclear waste repository siting and site characterisation by developing an internationally aligned framework for benchmarking, validation and comparison of codes. GEOSCALE addresses the entire geosphere of a deep geologic repository including host rock and surrounding hydraulic systems. Rather than developing new numerical codes, the project addresses the gap of missing validation and comparison of existing codes by developing tailored approaches and benchmarks following a bottom-up approach from simple to complex, and finally real-site systems. It will further evolve the implementation of coupled THM processes as well as the coupling of landscape evolution with subsurface processes to evaluate their impact on flow and transport processes.

The reference sites developed within the project will establish a durable framework beyond EURAD 2 for benchmarking and comparing codes, modelling approaches, and processes implementation strategies, thereby strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange between modellers and end users at the European and international level. Well defined, coupled and validated geosphere models contribute to:

• Site selection: Supporting efficient siting strategies based on site specific geosphere understanding, potentially reducing drilling, time, and costs.
• Repository optimisation: Quantifying geosphere contributions to safety functions, reducing conservatism, improving risk understanding, and describing long term site evolution.

Partners: AGES, Amphos21, ASNR, Bel V, BASE, BGE, BGR, CTAB, EGIS, EIMV, ENEA, ENRESA, GFZ, GRS, GTK, LEI, NAGRA, NRG, NTW, NWS, POSIVA, PSI, RATEN, SKB, SOGIN, SSM, SURAO, TUL, UBERN, VTT

The coordinator of the project: GTK

Funding authority: EU

Project manager/contact persons: Jon Engström

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