Integrated Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Behavior of Clays and Argillaceous Rocks: A Perspective

TL;DR

This paper reviews a decade of research on the coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of clays and argillaceous rocks, integrating experimental, numerical, and field studies to inform applications like nuclear waste storage and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive, consolidated framework for understanding and modeling the THM behavior of these rocks, combining experimental data, numerical models, and field insights.

Findings

Insights into soil-structure interaction under thermal loading

Development of practical THM modeling framework

Application to nuclear waste repositories and infrastructure

Abstract

This paper synthesizes nearly a decade of research on the coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) behavior of clays and argillaceous rocks. Drawing from experimental observations, numerical model development, and field-scale simulations, it presents a consolidated view of soil-structure interaction under thermal loading, desiccation cracking, and long-term excavation impacts. Key findings are drawn from constitutive modeling, in situ tests, and energy geostructure applications, offering a practical THM framework for nuclear waste repositories and climate-resilient infrastructure.