Expertise
Multiphysical modelling
Coupled hydro-mechanical, thermo-hydraulic and thermo-hydro-mechanical models with advanced constitutive laws, calibrated on data, run with integrated uncertainty analysis and built to be reproduced.
Overview
The ground behaviour is coupled. Pore pressure, temperature, flow and chemistry all act on the solid skeleton. Our models capture these couplings explicitly
The response of a clay host rock, a bentonite buffer or a salt layer is rarely governed by a unique mechanism. Conventional analyses go wrong where couplings are ignored.
We select the couplings that matter for each case, calibrate the constitutive laws on laboratory data, and check the results against field measurements to support an informed decision.
Typical deliverables
What we provide
- Validated 2D / 3D coupled models
- Scenario, sensitivity, Monte Carlo and optimisation studies
- Calibrated parameter sets with traceable provenance
- Verified subroutines and documented scripts
Scope
What we model
- Long-term performanceTH/THM evolution over thousands of years, Monte Carlo ensembles and design optimisation
- Excavation and damageanisotropic hardening–softening, damaged zone and convergence
- Unsaturated and multiphase flowvapour and liquid transport, CO₂ migration, salt dissolution
- Field tests and geological historypacker tests, monitoring data, glaciation and erosion
- Calibration and back analysisobjective fitting of large test databases, our own constitutive subroutines
Applications
Where it makes a difference
AGeological storageNuclear waste disposal · CO₂ storage · Geo-energyHost rocks, engineered barriers and reservoirs: demonstrating and optimising their coupled behaviour over very long time scales.BExcavations, foundations & tunnelsDeep excavations · Foundations · Tunnels & shafts · Underground infrastructureDeep pits, foundations, tunnels and shafts, often next to infrastructure that must stay in service.CComplex ground & site characterisationSoluble & creeping ground · Field tests · Geological historySoluble, creeping or unusually pressured ground: turning boreholes, field tests and geological history into reliable parameters.
May we help you?Let’s discuss your next challenge