Abstract
In the framework of the in-situ PRACLAY Heater experiment to be performed in the HADES URF in Mol (Belgium), the feasibility of a hydraulic cut-off of the Excavation Damaged Zone (EDZ) and the Repository Components (RC) of the disposal galleries by using a horizontal seal will be examined. It has been planned to install an annular seal composed of compacted bentonite between the heated zone and the access gallery (PRACLAY seal test), so that to avoid any hydraulic shortcut towards the access gallery. According to numerical scoping calculations, heating until 80 °C will induce a pore pressure of the order of 3.0 MPa. In order to verify the effects of this water pressure on the performance of the annular seal system and more specifically on the hydraulic resistance of the interface between the compacted bentonite and the host rock (Boom clay), laboratory percolation tests at 20 and 80 °C were performed. The results confirm the performance of the compacted bentonite seal to avoid the hydraulic shortcut to the access gallery under the foreseen hydraulic and thermal conditions.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the International Technical Conference on the Practical Aspects of Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste |
| Place of Publication | France |
| Pages | 1-9 |
| State | Published - Jun 2008 |
| Event | International Technical Conference on the Practical Aspects of Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste - EC ESDRED, Prague Duration: 16 Jun 2008 → 18 Jun 2008 |
Conference
| Conference | International Technical Conference on the Practical Aspects of Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste |
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| Country/Territory | Czech Republic |
| City | Prague |
| Period | 2008-06-16 → 2008-06-18 |