Factors controlling rock–clay buffer interaction in a radioactive waste repository

The paper examines the interaction between host rock and a clay-based engineered barrier in the context of deep underground disposal of high-level radioactive waste. A large scale “in situ” heating test currently under way in the underground Grimsel Rock Laboratory (GRL; Switzerland) is adopted as a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Engineering geology 2002-05, Vol.64 (2), p.297-308
Main Authors: Gens, A., Guimaraes, L.do N., Garcia-Molina, A., Alonso, E.E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Buffer
Buildings. Public works
Clay
Diffusion
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics
Engineering geology
Exact sciences and technology
General treatment and storage processes
Geotechnics
Miscellaneous
Pollution
Radioactive wastes
Rock
Thermo–hydro–mechanical analyses
Wastes
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Summary:The paper examines the interaction between host rock and a clay-based engineered barrier in the context of deep underground disposal of high-level radioactive waste. A large scale “in situ” heating test currently under way in the underground Grimsel Rock Laboratory (GRL; Switzerland) is adopted as a representative case for study. The main features of the behaviour of the rock/barrier system have been examined using a comprehensive programme of coupled thermo–hydro–mechanical analyses. A parametric study has been performed to assess the effects of individual phenomena and parameters. The characterisation activities carried out in relation with the in situ test provide the information on material properties and test conditions required. Results highlighting the influence of vapour diffusion, permeability, and retention curve of rock and bentonite are presented. The interaction between clay barrier and host medium exhibits a high degree of complexity.
ISSN:0013-7952
1872-6917
DOI:10.1016/S0013-7952(02)00026-1