Homogenization of unsaturated bentonite during hydration

Bentonite barriers are a key component in may designs of deep geological repositories for high level nuclear waste. During the hydration stage, the bentonite undergoes non-uniform changes in dry density that may persist even after reaching a fully saturated state. Since dry density controls the properties of the bentonite that ensure the functions of safety of the barrier, the potential of bentonite for homogenization or otherwise is a matter of high relevance. The paper presents the results and the analyses of two hydration tests on initially heterogenous samples, especially designed to explore the phenomena and processes underlying the homogenisation of bentonite materials. The formulation and constitutive model used in the analyses are briefly presented followed by a description of the tests. Subsequently, the experimental dataobtained from the tests are discussed together with the results of the hydromechanical analyses performed. Particular attention is given to the degree of homogenization of the specimens achieved at the end of the tests. The simulations have resulted in a very satisfactory agreement with test observations, especially egarding the final state of the samples, thus enhancing the confidence in the numerical tool employed.The work presented has been developed in the framework of the Bentonite Mechanical Evolution Project (BEACON). The project receives funding from the Euratom research and training programme 2014-2018 under grant agreement No 745942. The support of Conacyt (Id. no. 710153) to the third author is also gratefully acknowledged.Postprint (published version