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Numerical Modeling and Column Experiments to Simulate the Alkaline Disturbed Zone Around a Cementitious Radioactive Waste Repository

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

K. Bateman
Affiliation:
British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
P. Coombs
Affiliation:
British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
D. J. Noy
Affiliation:
British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
J. M. Pearce
Affiliation:
British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
P. D. Wetton
Affiliation:
British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
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Abstract

In order to be able to describe the migration of an alkaline plume, coupled chemistry and flow computer models may be employed. A series of laboratory column experiments were conducted to test the capabilities of currently available coupled models to predict product solids and output fluid compositions as a function of time. The predictions did not replicate all the variations of Ca:Si observed during mineralogical analysis, probably due the unavailability of sufficient kinetic and thermodynamic data for the range of calcium silicate hydrates (CSH) phases of interest. However, the predictions do reproduce the variation of Ca:Si ratios with time and distance along the columns. A better understanding of the above processes will lead to greater confidence in predictive modelling of the migration of alkaline plumes away from the cementitious barriers of radioactive waste disposal facilities.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1998

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References

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