Evolution of the reaction and alteration of mudstone with ordinary Portland cement leachates; Sequential flow experiments and reactive-transport modelling

Bateman, K.; Murayama, Shota*; Hanamachi, Yuji*; Wilson, J.*; Seta, Takamasa*; Amano, Yuki   ; Kubota, Mitsuru*; Ouchi, Yuji*; Tachi, Yukio  

The construction of a repository for geological disposal of radioactive waste will include the use of cement-based materials. Following closure, groundwater will saturate the repository and the extensive use of cement will result in the development of a highly alkaline porewater, pH 12.5. This fluid will migrate into and react with the host rock. The chemistry of the fluid will evolve over time, initially high [Na] and [K], evolving to a Ca-rich fluid and finally returning to the groundwater composition. This evolving chemistry will affect the long-term performance of the repository altering the physical and chemical properties, including radionuclide behaviour. Understanding these changes forms the basis for predicting the long-term evolution of the repository. This study focused on the determination of the nature and extent of the chemical reaction; the formation and persistence of secondary mineral phases within an argillaceous mudstone, comparing both data from sequential flow experiments with the results of reactive transport modeling. The reaction of the mudstone with the cement leachates resulted in small changes in pH but the precipitation of calcium aluminium silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) phases of varying compositions. With the change to the groundwater secondary C-(A-)S-H phases re-dissolved being replaced by secondary carbonates. This general sequence was successfully simulated by the reactive transport model simulations.