Publications Details
Development, implementation, and early results: Test Series D, Phase 1 of the small-scale seal performance tests
Three seals constructed of compressed crushed salt blocks have been successfully emplaced vertically down in three 97-cm (38.2-in.) diameter boreholes drilled from the repository horizon of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. All three seals are designed to allow fluid flow measurements and two of the seals are heavily instrumented with pressure and hole closure gages. The seals are providing structural and fluid flow data useful for evaluating predictive models and long-term crushed salt seal performance. Results to date, 1100 to 1450 days after seal emplacement, indicate the current average densities of the seals to be about 85% of intact rock salt. Relative densities have increased about 2% since emplacement. The results to date are consistent with previous laboratory and modeling studies of crushed salt behavior. This report provides information necessary for evaluating these data including as-built test configurations, construction histories, and instrumentation descriptions. Seal and instrumentation installation techniques are also described.