Beacon: bentonite mechanical evolution

The aim of Beacon is to develop the understanding of fundamental processes that lead to material homogenisation, as well as to improve capabilities for numerical modelling. The final aim is to demonstrate that the performance of present designs for buffers, backfills, seals and plugs is appropriate. In earlier assessments of bentonite EBS, the mechanical interaction between the installed bentonite components has been neglected and an 'ideal' final state has generally been assumed. Key features of the project are (1) re-evaluation of the available knowledge to extract the crucial data to compile the qualitative and quantitative data and to enhance the conceptual understanding. (2) Enhanced, robust and practical numerical tools based on a good scientific understanding, which have the expected predictive capabilities regarding the evolution of engineered barriers and seals. (3) A developed database with experimental data needed by the quantitative models. (4) Verified calculation tools based on experimental results in different scales. The Beacon project is required for the pan-European objectives at building confidence amongst regulators and stakeholders regarding the performance of the engineered barriers in a geological repository