Pressurized grout applications in fractured tuff for containment of radioactive wastes

• Published in: Geotechnical and geological engineering Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 53 - 62
• Main Authors: CROUTHAMEL, D. R, DAEMEN, J. J. K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Chapman and Hall 01-03-1991
• Subjects: Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Engineering geology; Exact sciences and technology; United States; North America; Nevada; waste disposal; rock mechanics; volcanic rocks; permeability; tuff; ash-flow tuff; drilling; igneous rocks; radioactive waste; in situ; unsaturated zone; fractured environment
• ISSN: 0960-3182; 1573-1529
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00880983

Currently under study by the Department of Energy are the geologic and hydrologic characteristics of the ash-flow deposits under Yucca mountain at the Nevada test site. Of interest at this site is the potential for disposal of high-level radioactive wastes in the unsaturated zone of the densely welded portions of the tuffs. These studies include the performance-assessment of barriers and seals for boreholes, ramps, drift and shafts at the Yucca mountain site. In-situ tests on standard Type II Portland cement and microfine cement as grout materials have been performed on a similar rock type to Yucca Mountain's near Superior Arizona. The tests were performed in a vertical borehole drilled in highly fractured and densely welded tuff (brown unit of Apache Leap) through a series of pressurized grout applications.