Effect of Water on the Consolidation of Crushed Rock Salt

Wang, M. L.; Miao, S. K.; Maji, A. K.; Hwang, C. L.; ,

Effect of Water on the Consolidation of Crushed Rock Salt

by M. L. Wang, Univ of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA,
S. K. Miao, Univ of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA,
A. K. Maji, Univ of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA,
C. L. Hwang, Univ of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering Mechanics

Abstract:

The consolidation behavior of crushed rock salt, as the backfill in the under-ground disposal of nuclear waste, will be important in controlling room closure rates and local permeability. Water has a significant influence on the consolidation rates. Consolidation tests of crushed WIPP rock salt samples with water content from 0.12 to 4.72% by weight were completed under both low and high pressures. Microstructure change of the consolidated specimens due to added water was observed using a scanning electron microscope. The results show that an optimum value of water content does exist under certain pressure and temperature for the crushed rock salt to reach the fastest consolidation rate.

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