LINKING THERMAL, HYDROLOGICAL, AND MECHANICAL PROCESSES IN FRACTURED ROCKS¹

In this paper, an overview is presented of coupled processes linking thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) effects in fractured rocks. A formulation is first presented to show the linkage mathematically, which can be used as a basis for numerical solutions and for further developments. Two simple examples of hydromechanical (HM) and thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupled processes are discussed to convey physical insight into such couplings. Finally, three large-scale, long-term experiments currently under way are described. These are being conducted specifically to study coupled processes in situ.