Abstract
Within the framework of the OPHELIE surface mock-up test，a Belgian reference repository concept for high level radioactive waste disposal—an exhaustive experimental program under oedometer conditions was carried out to characterize the thermo-hydro-mechanical(THM) response of the backfill material used. This material，pre-compacted in high-density blocks，was made up of 60% FoCa clay，35% sand and 5% graphite in a dry mass basis. Besides a brief description of the temperature and suction controlled equipment used，selected experimental results related to water retention properties，compressibility on loading at different total suctions and temperatures，as well as swelling capacity and collapsibility on soaking and heating，are also presented and interpreted.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 733-740 |
| Journal | Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| State | Published - 15 Apr 2006 |