Precipitation of calcium compounds onto rock surfaces in water with cementitious material

Abstract

In this study, the precipitation of minerals onto rock surfaces was investigated to consider whether sealing of pores and cracks in rock can be accelerated. Cylindrical specimens were prepared and then kept in purified water with powders of high-strength and ultra-low-permeability concrete (HSULPC), which will be used to confine transuranic (TRU) wastes in Japan. Then, the rock specimens were weighed and the surfaces of rock specimens were inspected under a microscope. It was recognized that precipitation occurred on the surface of the rock specimens. It was also shown that precipitation did not occur on rock specimens kept in water without HSULPC. The weight of all specimens stored in HSULPC increased, and the observed weight change was larger for rocks with higher porosities. It is concluded that precipitation of minerals occurs on the rock surface when the rock is kept in water with HSULPC powders. From the results obtained in this study, it is suggested that the sealing of pores and cracks in rock can be accelerated by the precipitation of calcium compounds using HSULPC. It is concluded that HSULPC is useful for underground radioactive waste disposal.