Abstract
ABSTRACT Clay backfill as an artificial seal is a common component in plans for underground waste repositories. Clay is expected to delay access of groundwater to the repository and to serve as a chemical buffer. However, there is evidence from geotechnical applications and from geological observations that clays are susceptible to fracturing due to local excessive fluid pressures (hydraulic fracturing). A simple experiment, simulating the fluid pressures in an artificially emplaced protective clay layer after the sealing and abandonment of an underground waste repository, supports this evidence. Hydraulic fractures would destroy expected favorable properties of the backfill and may represent a risk for the safety of a hazardous waste repository.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
