Measurement techniques for in situ stresses around underground constructions in a deep clay formation

Jan Verstricht, Lou Areias, Wim Bastiaens, Xiang Ling Li, Guangjing Chen

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    Disposal in deep underground geological formations is internationally recognized as the most viable option for the long-term management of high-level radioactive waste. In Belgium, the Boom clay formation is extensively studied in this context, in particular at the 225 m deep HADES Underground Research Facility in Mol. An accurate assessment of the in situ stresses is essential from both a scientific (safety studies) and a technical (engineering) perspective. Different measurement techniques are available to provide data on the stress evolution and other mechanical properties of the geological formation. The measurement can be direct (measurement of total pressure), or it can be an indirect technique, deriving the stress from related quantities such as strain (changes) in structural members. Most total stress measurements are performed through permanently installed sensors; also once-only measurements are performed through specific methods (e.g. pressuremeter). Direct measurement of the stress state is challenging due to the complex mechanical behaviour of the clay, and the fact that the sensor installation inevitably disturbs the original stress field. This paper describes ways to deal with these problems and presents the results obtained using different techniques at HADES
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings 14th International Conference on Experimental Mechanics (ICEM 14)
    Place of PublicationPoitiers, France
    Pages1-8
    StatePublished - Jul 2010
    EventICEM 14 - EuraSEM, Poitiers, FRANCE, July 4-9
    Duration: 4 Jul 20109 Jul 2010

    Conference

    ConferenceICEM 14
    Country/TerritoryFrance
    CityPoitiers, FRANCE, July 4-9
    Period2010-07-042010-07-09

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