Title: Field Trials of Superplasticized Grout at AECL's Underground Research Laboratory

Author(s): M. N. Gray and L. D. Keil

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 119

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 605-624

Keywords: granite; grout; grouting; leaching; plasticizers; sealing; segregation; silica fume; sulfate-resisting cements; tests; water-cement ratio; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/2566

Date: 9/1/1989

Abstract:
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited is undertaking a research and development program on cement-based grouts for possible use in sealing an underground nuclear fuel waste disposal vault. Silica fume and superplasticizer were added to a finely reground sulfate-resistant portland cement to produce a durable, low-permeability grout that would penetrate very fine fissures in granitic bedrock. The superplasticizer additive permits very low water-cement ratio grouts (w/c less than 0.6 by mass) that exhibit no segregation or bleed. The silica fume additive contributes to improved chemical stability and leach resistance of the grout. The developed grout has been injected into granitic rock at AECL's Underground Research Laboratory in Canada and at the NEA/OECD Stripa Facility in Sweden. No problems were encountered in the field trials in mixing, handling, or pumping of the grout. The injected grout produced only a very limited geochemical signature in the ground water and appears capable of penetrating microfissures in the granite with apertures of less than 20 æm.