Ageing of cementitious materials for storage of nuclear waste

Paper in proceeding, 2011

This paper presents an on-going research project dealing with ageing process of cementitious materials in a perspective of hundreds and thousands years. As it is risky to use empirical models for extrapolation of performance data from relatively short term experiments, a mechanism-based (chemo-mechanical coupled) model for safer prediction of longevity of concrete in storage facilities for nuclear waste is needed. The project work involves thermodynamic modeling, development of accelerated aging tests, physical, chemical and mineralogical characterization of young and aged cementitious materials, including mechanical, transport (diffusivity) properties, binding (adsorption) capacities and surface complexation (charging) behavior.