Salt repository seal materials: a synopsis of early cementitious materials development. [BCT-1F and BCT-1FF grouts]
Development of seal materials for radioactive waste repositories in evaporite rocks spans ten years. Experimental mixes have been tested under both laboratory and field conditions in halite, anhydrite, and accompanying clastic strata. Physical properties of the mixtures gradually improved through these experiments, leading to development of mixtures we now commonly call the BCT Series of mixtures. Two of these mixtures, BCT-1F (a salt-saturated mixture) and BCT-1FF (the equivalent mixture without salt), were developed for use in the Bell Canyon test in New Mexico, although only the BCT-1FF formulation was used in the field test. Other grouts, studied subsequent to Bell Canyon field emplacement, have provided more data about mineralogy, and physical performance as a function of compositional and curing variables. The interface between grout and rock has been studied on a limited basis, including some simulated boreholes and concretes. For those properties that have been tested, including expansion and compressive strength, the BCT-1F and -1FF and related grouts appear to meet preliminary performance criteria. Other properties, such as thermal expansion and creep, require additional attention. Four classes of grouts are established by chemistry and expansive mechanism: (1) non-expansive; (2) chloride expansive; (3) sulfate expansive; and (4) mixed expansive mechanisms. Additional study of evaporite-compatible mixtures, especially concretes, is recommended, under constant simulated shaft conditions. Characteristics of grout/rock interfaces, and mechanisms of expansion also require further study. 83 refs., 15 figs., 30 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park (USA). Materials Research Lab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-83CH10140
- OSTI ID:
- 5739416
- Report Number(s):
- BMI/ONWI-536; ON: DE85012338
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Development of freshwater grout subsequent to the Bell Canyon Tests (BCT). Final report, 1979-1985
Experimental characterization and stability of salt- and nonsalt-containing grouts and mortars (BCT-1F- and BCT-1FF-related)
Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
SEALING MATERIALS
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
CLOSURES
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COMPRESSION STRENGTH
EXPANSION
MATERIALS TESTING
CONCRETES
CREEP
EVAPORITES
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GROUTING
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
X-RAY DIFFRACTION
BUILDING MATERIALS
COHERENT SCATTERING
DATA
DIFFRACTION
INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUMERICAL DATA
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
ROCKS
SCATTERING
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
TESTING
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
052002* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Disposal & Storage
360603 - Materials- Properties