Study on characterization of colloidal silica grout for rock excavation under saline groundwater

Tsuji, Masakuni*; Nakashima, Hitoshi*; Saito, Akira*; Okihara, Mitsunobu*; Sato, Toshinori  

A rock excavation grouting technology has been recently studied as significant technology for reducing the ingress of water into the deep repository. However, it has not been studied for applying to the coastal region, where it is discussed to be a more suitable region for the geological disposal in Japan. The latest material called colloidal silica grout (CSG) is good for sealing narrow fractures but is known to be sensitive to the salinity of groundwater because of its gelling property with salt accelerator. Although the gelling of CSG can be controlled by adding an acidic pH adjuster, the methodology for delivering the appropriate grout is not well established for such conditions of saline groundwater. Therefore, this research project was established to enhance the existing rock grouting technology for deep repositories.