ABSTRACT
Reliable knowledge of the mechanical properties of rock salt is very important for the safety predictions of underground final disposal of radioactive waste. The present contribution exposes a sensitivity analysis of parameters making use of a constitutive equation describing creep behavior in the long-term. A Finite Difference Code is used for carrying out the numerical calculations. The most relevant parameters are varied in the constitutive equation, considering an homogeneous underground as well as a stratified one in order to examine the sensitivity of the model response. Monitoring of stresses and displacements during the calculation period of one year is done at different points in the cross section of the excavated rooms in an underground repository in order to compare the response of different models. Pertinent recommendations for the determination of the accuracy of the parameters in the constitutive equations and their range of prevailing values are formulated likewise.
