Geotechnical Characterization of Boom Clay in Relation to the Disposal of Radioactive Waste

摘要

This report describes the results of a laboratory study on the geotechnical properties of the Tertiary Boom clay. Tests were performed on undisturbed samples of clay taken from a location 247 m below surface at the experimental site at Mol in Belgium. In geotechnical terms, the Boom clay may be described as a hard, high-plasticity, overconsolidated clay. Test methods have included the one-dimensional consolidation test with consolidation stresses up to 32 MPa, the one-dimensional swelling pressure test, the isotropically-consolidated, undrained triaxial test with pore pressure measurement, and the unconsolidated undrained triaxial test. All triaxial tests were load-controlled. Limited test results are presented on pore pressure responses during heating under undrained conditions and on the effect of elevated temperature (80 sup 0 C) on deformability and strength. It is found that significantly large excess pore pressures may be developed during heating from ambient laboratory temperature to 80 sup 0 C. The effect is due, at least in part, to the expansion of the pore fluid. 39 figs., 20 tabs. (ERA citation 13:007293)