Creep consolidation of nuclear depository backfill materials
Evaluation of the effects of backfilling nuclear waste repository rooms is an important aspect of waste repository design. Consolidation of the porous backfill takes place as the room closes with time, causing the supporting stress exerted by the backfill against the intact rock to increase. Estimation of the rate of backfill consolidation is required for closure rate predictions and should be possible if the creep law for the solid constituent is known. A simple theory describing consolidation with a spherical void model is derived to illustrate this relationship. Although the present form of the theory assumes a homogeneous isotropic incompressible material atypical of most rocks, it may be applicable to rock salt, which exhibits considerable plasticity under confined pressure. Application of the theory is illustrated assuming a simple steady-state creep law, to show that the consolidation rate depends on the externally applied stress, temperature, and porosity.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6992790
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-79-2212; TRN: 80-018562
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POROUS MATERIALS
CREEP
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
BACKFILLING
DESIGN
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
052002* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Disposal & Storage