Natural analogues of cement; Overview of the unique systems in Jordan

Kamei, Gento ; Alexander, W. R.*; Clark, I. D.*; Degnan, P.*; Elie, M.*; Khoury, H.*; Milodowski, A. E.*; Pitty, A. F.*; Salameh, E.*; Smellie, J. A. T.*

Natural cements in Jordan have been produced by the combustion of organic-rich clay biomicrites and are very close analogues of industrial cement. Following interaction with groundwaters, natural hyperalkaline leachates are produced and these move out of the cement into the surrounding host rock, subsequently interacting with and altering it. The conclusions of the Jordan Natural Cement Analogue Study are presented and the safety assessment (SA) implications of the interaction of cementitious hyperalkaline leachates on repository host rock and bentonite are discussed.