A three-dimensional numerical model for thermohydromechanical deformation with hysteresis in a fractured rock mass

A three-dimensional finite-element solution to the problem of coupled thermohydromechanical deformation, groundwater flow, and heat transport in deformable fractured porous media is presented in this paper. The governing equations are based on Blot's consolidation theory for poroelastic materials, extended to the non-isothermal environment. The normal and lateral deformations in joints are simulated by a new joint element. The new joint element is based on the Bandis-Barton models and is capable of simulating normal and lateral deformations with dilatancy, contractancy, and hysteresis due to irrecoverable damages/rubblization. A three-dimensional finite-element code Model Of Transport In Fractured porous media (MOTIF) has been developed based on the theoretical framework presented herein. Verification results with experimental data and analytical solutions are presented in this paper. An application example with flow of fluid through a non-isothermally deforming joint is also presented. Results indicate that non-isothermal deformation could play a major role in the transport of fluid and waterborne substances in fractured rocks. Crown Copyright (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.