Thermomechanical calculations and constructional criteria for an in-situ-test on the cracking of salt induced by high thermal power.

In the Asse salt mine an in-situ-test for the heating of salt with a total heating capacity of 120 kW will be carried out over a period of approximately one year. The chief aim of this test is the investigation of possible cracking due to the thermal load on the salt. Furthermore, questions on the gas liberation, brine migration, existing compression gradients and permeability changes of the salt are being considered. Following a short presentation of the test set up, the results of thermomechanical calculations and estimations are introduced. The results of homogeneous rocks show that macroscopic cracks in unworked rocks are not to be expected during the heating phase