• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.325-330
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• 2016

The second phase of low- and intermediate-level waste (LILW) disposal facility is under planned on the sedimentary rock in unsaturated zone. In this study, we created two meshes which were a matrix continuum mesh and a fracture continuum mesh to carry out 2 dimensional numerical modeling for groundwater flow in the unsaturated zone containing fractures focused on the second phase of LILW disposal facility. Two continuum meshes were developed using MINC in meshmaker module of TOUGH2 code. A fracture continuum mesh was included the k-field distribution of the permeability derived from the Discrete Fractured Network (DFN) modeling. To apply the unsaturated zone for the modeling, the gridding steps to generate mesh were developed. Each step to generate a mesh consisted of definition of materials, setting the initial conditions and creating grids using MINC. The methodology development of meshes in this study will be applied for more precise modeling of groundwater flow and mass transport.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.127-142
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• 2024

The robustness of a numerical method means that its computational performance is maintained under various modeling conditions. New numerical methods or codes need to be assessed for robustness through benchmark testing. The TOUGH-FLAC modeling approach has been applied to various fields such as subsurface carbon dioxide storage, geological disposal of spent nuclear fuel, and geothermal development both domestically and internationally, and the modeling validity has been examined by comparing the results with experimental measurements and other numerical codes. In the present study, a benchmark test of the TOUGH-FLAC approach was performed based on a coupled thermal-hydro-mechanical behavior problem with an analytical solution. The analytical solution is related to the temperature, pore water pressure, and mechanical behavior of a fully saturated porous medium that is subjected to a point heat source. The robustness of the TOUGH-FLAC approach was evaluated by comparing the analytical solution with the results of numerical simulation. Additionally, the effects of thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling terms, fluid phase change, and timestep on the computation of coupled behavior were investigated.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.39-62
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• 2020

In this study, Barcelona Basic Model (BBM) was implemented into TOUGH2-MP/FLAC3D for the numerical analysis of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) behavior of unsaturated soils and the prediction of long-term behaviors. Similar to the methodology described in a previous study for the implementation of BBM into TOUGH-FLAC, the User Defined Model (UDM) of FLAC based on the Modified Cam Clay Model (MCCM) and the FISH function of FLAC3D were used to extend the existing MCCM module in FLAC3D for the implementation of BBM into TOUGH2-MP/FLAC3D. In the developed BBM module in TOUGH2-MP/FLAC3D, the plastic strains due to change in suction increase (SI) in addition to mean effective stress are calculated. In addition to loading-collapse (LC) yield surface, suction increase (SI) yield surface is changed by hardening rules in the developed BBM module. Several numerical simulations were conducted to verify and validate the implementation of BBM: using an example presented in the FLAC3D manual for the standard MCCM, simulation results using COMSOL, and experimental data presented in SKB Reports. In addition, the developed BBM analysis module was validated by simultaneously performing a series of modeling tests that were performed for the validation of the Quick tools developed for the purpose of effectively deriving BBM parameters, and by comparing the Quick tools and Code_Bright results reported in a previous study.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.335-358
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• 2020

We present a numerical model to simulate coupled hydro-mechanical behavior of fault using TOUGH-FLAC simulator. This study aims to develop a numerical method to estimate fluid injection-induced fault reactivation in low permeability rock and to access the relevant hydro-mechanical stability in rock as part of DECOVALEX-2019 Task B. A coupled fluid flow and mechanical interface model to explicitly represent a fault was suggested and validated from the applications to benchmark simulations and the field experiment at Mont Terri underground laboratory in Switzerland. The pressure build-up, hydraulic aperture evolution, displacement, and stress responses matched those obtained at the site, which indicates the capability of the model to appropriately capture the hydro-mechanical processes in rock fault.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.575-593
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• 2012

This paper briefly introduces the scope and objectives of SKB Task 8, which is an international cooperative research project. In addition, the hydraulic behaviors of bentonite buffer focusing on the interactions between bentonite and a rock mass with a joint were investigated using TOUGH2 code as part of a sub-mission of Task 8a. The effects of a rock joint and high capillary pressure of bentonite on the re-saturation properties and pressure distribution in a buffer were identified and successfully incorporated in the TOUGH2 code. Based on the numerical results, it was found that the speed of re-saturation in bentonite surrounded by a rock mass with a joint is 2.5 to 12 times faster than that in a condition without a rock joint, while the degree of saturation in the lower part of the buffer material is generally higher than in the upper part in both the cases of with and without a joint. It can be anticipated that the results obtained from this study can be applied to an estimation of the full saturation time and a determination of optimum thickness with regard to the design of the bentonite buffer in a high level waste disposal system.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.437-454
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• 2022

The hydro-mechanical (HM) two-way sequential coupling in the TOUGH2-FLAC3D linking algorithm is validated completely and successfully in both M to H and H to M directions, which are initiated by mechanical surface loading for geomechanical validation and hydrological groundwater pumping for hydrogeological validation, respectively. For such complete and successful validation, a TOUGH2-FLAC3D linked numerical model is developed first by adopting the TOUGH2-FLAC3D linking algorithm, which uses the two-way (fixed-stress split) sequential coupling scheme and the implicit backward time stepping method. Two geomechanical and two hydrogeological validation problems are then simulated using the linked numerical model together with basic validation strategies and prerequisites. The second geomechanical and second hydrogeological validation problems are also associated with the Mandel effect and the Noordbergum and Rhade effects, respectively, which are three phenomenally well-known but numerically challenging HM effects. Finally, sequentially coupled numerical solutions are compared with either analytical solutions (verification) or fully coupled numerical solutions (benchmarking). In all the four validation problems, they show almost perfect to extremely or very good agreement. In addition, the second geomechanical validation problem clearly displays the Mandel effect and suggests a proper or minimum geometrical ratio of the height to the width for the rectangular domain to maximize agreement between the numerical and analytical solutions. In the meantime, the second hydrogeological validation problem clearly displays the Noordbergum and Rhade effects and implies that the HM two-way sequential coupling scheme used in the linked numerical model is as rigorous as the HM two-way full coupling scheme used in a fully coupled numerical model.

• 한국신재생에너지학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2006.11a
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• pp.36-39
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• 2006

To evaluate the effect of groundwater flow on the outlet temperature of a geothermal heat pump, 3 dimensional numerical simulations are performed considering both groundwater flow and pipe flow in the U-tube using TOUGHS, The present study involved the following 4 simulation cases (1) no groundwater flow, (2) slow groundwater flow (hydraulic conductivity: $1.0{\times}10^{-9}m/s)$, (3) fast groundwater flow (hydraulic conductivity, $1.0{\times}10^{-7}m/s$), and (4) groundwater flow varying with the depth (hydraulic conductivity: $1.0{\times}10^{-7}-1.0{\times}10^{-10}m/s$). The effect of groundwater flow on the outlet temperature is significant where hydraulic conductivity of aquifer is $1.0{\times}10^{-7}m/s$. Where hydraulic conductivity of aquifer is $1.0{\times}10^{-10}m/s$, however, that effect is negligible.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.115-120
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• 2014

PURPOSE. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of aging on the tear strength and cytotoxicity of four soft denture lining materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Four commonly used soft denture lining materials, (Coe-Comfort$^{TM}$ GC America Inc., Alsip, IL, USA; Coe-SOFT$^{TM}$ GC America Inc., Alsip, IL, USA; Visco-gel Dentsply Caulk Milford, DE, USA; and Sofreliner Tough M Tokuyama Dental Corporation Tokyo, Japan) were selected. Sixty trouser-leg designed specimens per lining material were fabricated using a stainless steel mold for tear strength testing. The specimens were divided into non-thermocycling and 1000-, and 3000-thermocycling groups. For the cytotoxicity test, twenty-four disk shaped specimens per material were fabricated using a stainless steel mold. The specimens were soaked in normal saline solution for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Cytotoxicity was measured by XTT assay in L929 mouse fibroblasts. Data were analyzed by two way analysis of variance and Dunnett's test (P<.05). RESULTS. Before thermocycling, Sofreliner Tough M ($10.36{\pm}1.00N$) had the highest tear strength value while Coe-Comfort$^{TM}$ ($0.46{\pm}0.10N$) had the lowest. After 3000 cycles, Sofreliner Tough M ($9.65{\pm}1.66N$) presented the highest value and Coe-Comfort$^{TM}$ ($0.42{\pm}0.08N$) the lowest. Sofreliner Tough M, in all incubation periods was the least toxic with significant differences compared to all other materials (P<.05). Coe-Comfort$^{TM}$, Coe-$SOFT^{TM}$, and Sofreliner Tough M did not show any significant differences within their material group for all incubation periods. CONCLUSION. This in vitro study revealed that aging can affect both the tear strength and cytotoxicity of soft denture materials depending on the composition.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2014

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of denture cleansers on Candida albicans biofilm formation over resilient liners and to evaluate compatibility between resilient liners and denture cleansers. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Acrylic resin (Lucitone 199$^{(R)}$) and 3 resilient liners (COE-SOFT$^{TM}$, GC RELINE$^{TM}$ and SOFRELINER TOUGH TOUGH$^{(R)}$) were incubated in denture cleansers (Polident$^{(R)}$ and Cleadent$^{(R)}$) for 8 hours a day and in unstimulated saliva for 16 hours a day (n=25/gp) for 60 days. Two-way and three-way repeated measures ANOVA were performed to compare the surface roughness (Ra), pH and C. albicans binding level by radioisotope (${\alpha}$=0.05). The statistical significance of the relation between Ra and adhesion was evaluated by correlation analysis. RESULTS. The degree of Ra was significantly decreased in the following order: COE-SOFT$^{TM}$, acrylic resin, GC RELINE$^{TM}$ and SOFRELINER TOUGH$^{(R)}$. The immersion in denture cleansers significantly increased Ra of resilient liners, except for SOFRELINER TOUGH$^{(R)}$ in Cleadent$^{(R)}$. No significant differences in pH curves were observed among groups immersed in distilled water and denture cleansers. The binding levels of C. albicans were significantly decreased in the following order: COE-SOFT$^{TM}$, GC RELINE$^{TM}$, SOFRELINER TOUGH$^{(R)}$, and acrylic resin. The immersion in Cleadent$^{(R)}$ seemed to decrease C. albicans binding level on GC RELINE$^{TM}$ and SOFRELINER TOUGH$^{(R)}$. CONCLUSION. Based on the C. albicans binding levels results, it is not recommended to immerse COE-SOFT$^{TM}$ in denture cleansers, and GC RELINE$^{TM}$ and SOFRELINER TOUGH$^{(R)}$ should be immersed in Cleadent$^{(R)}$.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.166-180
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• 2016

The present study numerically simulated the CO2 injection into the saline aquifer of CO2CRC Otway pilot project and the resulting hydrological-mechanical coupled process in the storage site by TOUGH-FLAC simulator. A three-dimensional numerical model was generated using the stochastic geological model which was established based on well log and core data. It was estimated that the CO2 injection of 30,000t over a period of 200 days increased the pressure near the injection point by 0.5 MPa at the most. The pressure increased rapidly and tended to approach a certain value at an early stage of the injection. The hydrological and mechanical behavior observed from the CO2 flow, effective stress change and stress-strength ratio revealed that the CO2 injection into the saline aquifer under the given condition would not have significant effects on the mechanical safety of the storage site and the hydrological state around the adjacent fault.