Work packages
Work packages
GeoRes has been designed around three research-based Work Packages (WPs), which lead to effective management of the project and provide clear guidelines oriented to the accomplishment of the research objectives.
WP1 is primarily focused on the durability of the mechanical performance of the upgraded waste-geomaterials as a function of the context, site conditions, climate, etc. The goal of WP1 is to uncover the key mechanisms that control alteration of mechanical properties of upgraded waste-geomaterials in several contexts. For this purpose, we systematically explore the interplay between macroscopic and microscopic scales, and the relationships between site conditions, physio-chemical and hydro-mechanical behaviour within 3 distinct tasks:
- Task 1.1: To exchange knowledge and expertise on the state-of-the art advancements in the impact of climatic conditions on durability of mechanical performance of upgraded waste-geomaterials.
- Task 1.2: To develop original laboratory experimental protocols to assess durability of treated soils from micro to macro scales.
- Task 1.3: To identify key ageing parameters for mechanical behaviour.
WP2 is focused on the durability of transfer performance of upgraded waste-geomaterials when exposed to various environmental conditions e.g. saline, anaerobic, acid environment, extreme climatic conditions, etc. The overall goal of the WP is to determine and quantify the effect of the key mechanisms responsible for ageing and degradation of performances of geostructures. We methodically investigate the effects of different deterioration mechanisms such as sea water exposure of upgraded sediments, weathering, and freeze and thaw cycles on surface paste disposal and desulfurised tailings.
WP2 includes 3 tasks:
- Task 2.1: To exchange knowledge and expertise on the state-of-the art advancements in the impact of environmental conditions (climate, salinity, redox potential, acidity) on the durability of transfer performance of upgraded waste-geomaterials.
- Task 2.2: To analyse impact of the presence of contaminants or deleterious compounds on the long-term transfer properties of upgraded waste geomaterials.
- Task 2.3: To identify key ageing parameters for long term transfer properties
WP3 aims to develop new modelling tools that could be employed in the analysis, design and/or construction stage to predict the long-term behaviour of improved waste geomaterials. This WP contributes to the development of solutions and tools to better understand and predict the behaviour of treated waste geomaterials and hence improve/enhance their use in construction, dredging and mining activities.
WP3 includes 3 tasks:
- Task 3.1: To exchange knowledge and expertise on the state-of-the art developments in constitutive and numerical modelling of upgraded waste geomaterials - sharing knowledge on different modelling approaches and improving existing models.
- Task 3.2: Different (chemical or mechanical) treatments can be applied to a waste geomaterial to reach a design permeability before the material can be used as a cover, or an impermeable barrier.
- Task 3.3: Decision support system for management of excavated waste geomaterials.