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The Effects of Moisture Content, Salinity and Temperature on the Load-Bearing Capability of a Dense Clay-Based Backfill

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

Steven. C.H. Cheung ,
M.N. Gray ,
R.N. Yong  and
A.M.O. Mohamed
Steven. C.H. Cheung
Affiliation:
AECL Research, Whiteshell Laboratories, Pinava, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
M.N. Gray
Affiliation:
AECL Research, Whiteshell Laboratories, Pinava, Manitoba, Canada ROE 1LO
R.N. Yong
Affiliation:
Geotechnical Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 2K6
A.M.O. Mohamed
Affiliation:
Geotechnical Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 2K6
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Abstract

To predict the mechanical performance of earthen backfill in a nuclear fuel waste disposal vault, the effects of temperature and moisture content on the backfill load-deformation characteristics must be known. Modified California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were used to obtain these data. The results show that the load-bearing capability of the backfill is not likely affected by water salinity. The load-bearing capability decreases with increasing temperature and water content or decreasing dry density. The effects of temperature, dry density, and moisture transport processes on load-bearing capability were found to be relatively small compared to those of moisture content. Under the expected Canadian vault environment, the backfill should retain sufficient bearing capacity to satisfy its mechanical design function, which is principally to limit expansion of swelling buffer material.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 212: Symposium P – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XIV , 1990 , 491
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1991

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References

REFERENCES

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