[en] The feasibility of economically and accurately applying Lagrangian explicit finite-difference (EFD) techniques to the analysis of the thermomechanical response of radioactive wastes placed in salt repositories is demonstrated. Three numerical simulations of the Project Salt Vault (PSV) experiment were carried out, using STEALTH 2D, a two-dimensional EFD code. One calculation did not include a model for creep, while the other two calculations used a general model in which creep was included. As expected, when creep was included, it resulted in significantly more pillar shortening and room convergence than when it was not included. The first of the creep simulations (as well as the non-creep simulation) was designed to demonstrate the applicability of the EFD method.The second creep simulation was performed to evaluate the sensitivity of certain numerical parameters, such as zone size and boundary nearness. Numerical data are presented that compare the results of the three simulations to the results of the Project Salt Vault experiment. In the simulations which included creep, the room closure data are in excellent agreement with the shape and magnitude of the experimentally measured floor and roof closures. Temperature histories were also compared at several locations and these data were also in agreement with the experimental values