| The results given are of a laboratory study of the effectiveness of seal design concepts for WIPP penetrations. Laboratory models of short term seal, concrete/polyethylene membrane/halite interfaces are tested for analyzing the "gasket" action of the membrane. The results show that the membrane decreases permeability along the concrete/halite interface by about one to two orders of magnitude.;Dynamic compaction tests have been performed on crushed rock salt, the long term seal component, using the Proctor method, Marshall stability method and vibratory method. Proctor test results indicate the percentage compaction increases with the compaction effort up to a certain value and then levels off. Increased diameter of tamping face results in lower compaction for the same total energy. Total stress applied may be a more significant parameter for impact compaction of salt above a certain limit. Design of proper size distribution for the testing conditions improves the achievable compaction levels considerably. Even distribution of various size fractions significantly enhances density in vibratory method. Water content above a certain level and increased vibration time results in higher density levels but may not be feasible due to sealing performance considerations. |
