Modelling the effects of test conditions on the measured swelling pressure of compacted bentonite

Abstract

In the current concept of repositories for radioactive waste disposal, compacted bentonite and bentonite-based materials with low hydraulic conductivity are being used as engineered barriers to inhibit the migration of radioactive nuclides. To ensure low hydraulic conductivity, the swelling characteristics of compacted bentonite are also important. However, previous studies have shown that swelling pressure measurements vary considerably and that this variation may be attributable to the differences in testing apparatuses. This variability increases the uncertainty in the design of the facilities. Thus, in this study, an improved stress–strain model for bentonite materials during the saturation process is proposed. The validity of the model is confirmed by comparing the experimental results obtained using several test methods with the simulated results from the model. Consequently, it is found that the swelling pressure test results of compacted bentonite, which are affected by several factors, such as the stiffness of the test cell, the height of the specimen, and the initial degree of saturation, can be numerically simulated using the proposed model. Thus, the effects of these factors on the test results can be evaluated quantitatively using the proposed model.