Thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical applications using the fem software code_bright: a review

In both scientific research and commercial applications within the Civil and Geotechnical Engineering fields, numerical simulation programs play a key role. These tools provide a deeper understanding of areas where traditional analytical solutions might have limitations. A multitude of software options exist, each employing various numerical strategies – from classical methodologies like finite elements and finite differences to more recent approaches like discrete elements or point material methods.

A key player in this arena is CODE_BRIGHT, a finite element method (FEM) computer code developed by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya·BarcelonaTech (DECA-UPC) and the International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE). Designed to address non-isothermal multiphase flow in deformable porous media and solve thermo-hydro-chemico-gas-mechanical problems, CODE_BRIGHT is versatile and powerful; effectively a game-changer in tackling numerous engineering issues.

This special issue aims to offer an in-depth review of CODE_BRIGHT's applications and scope, spotlighting the latest advancements and ongoing research findings in Geotechnical Engineering using this particular numerical modeling tool. We plan to cover all aspects related to the use and applicability of CODE_BRIGHT, ranging from current and developing case studies to a comprehensive literature review of specific historical topics.

The research scope includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:

•Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) coupled processes
•Infiltration/rainfall/evaporation/radiation/conduction models
•Soil-atmosphere interaction
•Swelling clay materials, desiccation cracks development, and soil compaction
•Double-structure materials modeling
•Unsaturated soils
•Gas flow and CO2 sequestration/storage
•Geothermal reservoirs
•Clay-based engineered isolation barriers and nuclear waste disposal repositories
•Anisotropy/embedded fractures/heterogeneity
•Soil-structure interfaces, reinforced soil and foundations
•Landslides and earth retaining structures
•Earth dams
•Tunneling
•Phase changes problems (soil freezing, methane hydrates bearing sediments, etc.)
•Physical modelling experiments (gas injection, pullout, centrifuge, etc.)

We're excited to delve into these complex topics and hope to inspire further development and innovation in the field.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: CODE_BRIGHT, finite element method, THMC coupling, numerical modelling, bibliometric analysis

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.