Interaction between clay-based sealing components and crystalline host rock

► HM numerical simulation of a shaft seal was done using finite element method. ► The shaft seal was installed at a fracture zone in a crystalline host rock. ► Two different stages of system evolution were considered. ► Stage 1 was the groundwater flow into an open shaft, prior to seal installation. ► Stage 2 was the groundwater flow into the shaft seal, after seal installation.