Water retention and thermal properties of nearly saturated Boom Clay

L. Q. Dao, P. Delage, Y. J. Cui, A. M. Tang, X. L. Li, X. Sillen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The Boom Clay is considered as a potential host rock for the deep disposal of high activity heat-emitting radioactive waste in Belgium. In this context, extensive research has been carried out on the thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of the Boom Clay both in-situ and in surface laboratories. Thermal conductivity tests were conducted on the samples taken from the Underground Research Laboratory (URL) at the High Activity Disposal Experimental Site (HADES) at Mol using the needle probe method and the effects of partial saturation on the thermal conductivity coefficient have been investigated. Data show that slight desaturation induces slight changes in thermal conductivity coefficient. Also, the water retention curve of the Boom Clay has been investigated with particular attention paid to the drying path from the saturated state. The water retention curve in this path was obtained by progressively submitting samples to drying while measuring their suction using a dew-point hygrometer. The data obtained agree well with other available data regarding the air entry value of Boom Clay.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnsaturated Soils
Subtitle of host publicationResearch and Applications - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014
PublisherTaylor and Francis - Balkema
Pages843-847
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9781138026896
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014 - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Duration: 2 Jul 20144 Jul 2014

Publication series

NameUnsaturated Soils: Research and Applications - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014
Volume1

Conference

Conference6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney, NSW
Period2/07/144/07/14

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