First shrinkage parameters of Slovak bentonites considered for engineered barriers in the deep geological repository of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel

The high potential of bentonites to volume changes depending on the water content is considered as their advantage for the engineered barriers in the deep geological repository of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel because of swelling and self-healing of cracks in contact with water. On the other hand, drying may lead to opening of cracks and spaces between the bentonite blocks. This would increase the permeability and contamination risk around the hot container with high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, especially if the host rock mass is dry. First shrinkage tests on four Slovak bentonites studied for engineered barriers were carried out. The water content at the shrinkage limit and the relative linear shrinkage are the first available shrinkage parameters received for the bentonite paste. The shrinkage hazard is higher in the best bentonites with high swelling potential—from Kopernica and Jelšový potok. The results indicated the necessity of further shrinkage tests to determine the relative linear and volume shrinkage of bentonite elements pressed of the loose bentonite powder of low water content.