Crushed salt consolidation
The objective of this study is to investigate the time-dependent consolidation of confined crushed salt under axial loading. The crushed salt is geometrically characterized in terms of its grain size distribution and by means of particle shape determinations. Crushed salt of a selected grain size distribution is emplaced in a steel cylinder, and an axial load is applied to the salt. The deformation is monitored. The axial load is increased in steps. Results are presented as void ratio vs time curves, for the various applied stresses. Air dried samples have a brine content of 0.2%; moistened samples have a brine content ranging from 1.75 to 8.8%. The general consolidation trend can be represented as a linear function of the logarithm of time, but with noticeable temporary accelerations. Consolidation time calculations, predicted from the results of fitted curve parameters, admittedly extrapolated far beyond the measurement range, indicate that reconsolidation of the materials as emplaced and tested here would require many centuries. It deserves emphasis that these experiments were initiated on a extremely loose crushed salt fill. Consolidation rate increases with brine content. The dependency upon applied stress remains ambiguous. The obtained void reduction rates are significantly lower than published results determined from isostatic consolidation. Given the small number of tests completed, all results and conclusions must be considered preliminary. Tests in configurations that may be representative for expected in-situ consolidation conditions are recommended. 102 refs., 41 figs., 11 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (USA). Div. of Engineering; Arizona Univ., Tucson, AZ (USA). Dept. of Mining and Geological Engineering
- OSTI ID:
- 5964941
- Report Number(s):
- NUREG/CR-5402; ON: TI89013222
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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COMPRESSIBILITY
COMPRESSION STRENGTH
FRICTION
MANAGEMENT
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PARTICLE SIZE
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RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE
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SALTS
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