Rheological properties for bentonite at high densities
The properties of bentonite at high densities are extremely important and it appears as it has been to a certain extent well researched and understood, although further investigations regarding swelling of the bentonite would be welcome. What, however, seems to be missing is a comprehensive constitutive model capturing all the different aspects of the buffer behaviour. Such a model should be developed and then it is necessary to benchmark the model against a number of well-defined and suitable element tests in order to evaluate the merits of the model. Not until then should the simulations of complex scenarios for the prototype be given proper attention.
Rheological properties for bentonite at very low densities and extremely
high water radios
Testing of strength and flow properties of gels and sols are difficult
to make in the laboratory as the measured resistance is extremely low. Commendable laboratory testing has been carried out in order to de- termine those properties and the results form a first base for understan- ding the behaviour of bentonite gels and sols.
However, the properties of such colloids is not well known and further investigations are imperative, especially as this knowledge is crucial for evaluating the risk for erosion under fresh water conditions.