Suitability of Bentonite-Stabilized Laterite for Use as a Material for Nuclear Waste Containment in Sub-Saharan Africa
This article investigates the potential use of a bentonite-stabilized laterite mixture as a material for nuclear waste containment in sub-Saharan Africa. The study analyzes the engineering properties of the composite material, including its compaction properties, permeability, swelling properties, a...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Engineering |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/je/5542006 |
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| Summary: | This article investigates the potential use of a bentonite-stabilized laterite mixture as a material for nuclear waste containment in sub-Saharan Africa. The study analyzes the engineering properties of the composite material, including its compaction properties, permeability, swelling properties, and specific gravity. The article discusses the increasing importance of effective management of radioactive waste and the use of deep geological repositories (DGRs) for long-term storage. However, the high swelling pressure of bentonite poses risks to the structural integrity of DGRs. To address this issue, researchers have explored the use of bentonite–laterite mixtures as barrier materials. In sub-Saharan Africa, laterite has been considered as a potential solution for reducing the swelling potential of bentonite. The study conducts tests on commercially sourced MX bentonite and laterite to assess their engineering properties. Permeabilities of the mixes increased to 4.3E − 12, 5.5E − 12, 3.8E − 11, and 2.5E − 11 m/s, respectively, with 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% of laterite in the composite. Similarly, the swelling pressure improved from 0.8 MPa to 1.7, 2.1, 2.5, and 2.8 MPa, respectively, with 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% bentonite content. The results reveal that the addition of laterite improves the compaction properties of the mixture, decreases the clay concentration, increases permeability, reduces water absorption, and lowers swelling capacity. The recommended mixture for nuclear waste containment in sub-Saharan Africa is 85% bentonite and 15% laterite, meeting required specifications while considering cost-effectiveness and material availability. This research contributes to the understanding of the swelling properties of bentonite stabilized with laterite and provides valuable insights for the design and construction of DGRs for nuclear waste. |
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| ISSN: | 2314-4912 |