Effects of heterogeneity at fracture surface for tracer migration in a fractured crystalline rock from the Grimsel Test Site

Tachi, Yukio  ; Ito, Tsuyoshi; Akagi, Yosuke*; Sato, Hisao*; Martin, A. J.*

The effects of heterogeneity at fracture surface on radionuclides migration in fractured crystalline rocks was investigated by laboratory migration experiments, microscopic observations and detailed modelling, using a single fractured granodiorite sample from the Grimsel Test Site (GTS), Switzerland. The tracer migration behaviors in fracture and matrix parts were evaluated by series of laboratory experiments including through-diffusion and flow-through experiments. Mineral distributions from fracture surface to matrix were evaluated by X-ray CT, and were validated by comparing the elemental mapping measured by EPMA. Based on the microscopic observations by X-ray CT and EPMA, the aperture and connectivity in fracture and minerals distribution near fracture surface were quantitatively evaluated. The heterogeneous multi-layered model assuming a weathered vermiculite zone, a foliated mica zone and rock matrix was possible to provide a reasonable interpretation for measured breakthrough curves of all tracers.