Influence of cement type on transport properties and chemical degradation: Application to nuclear waste storage

The geological repository of nuclear waste in concrete containers is a possible storage method explored by ANDRA (Agence Nationale pour la gestion des Déchets RadioActifs). The concrete must display a high confinement capacity for long periods, characterized by low transport properties and by the acido-basic buffer of hydrated cement. During service life, these properties can be endangered by chemical attack of underground water. The cement type has an important influence on the concrete's performances. Then, it is essential to establish appropriate mixtures with accurate components. In this work an ordinary Portland cement and a fly ash and blast furnace slag blended cement are compared. To determine confinement capacities, transfer properties and mortars microstructure were investigated. To predict the long term behaviour, an ammonium nitrate test has been developed to enhance decalcification and to accelerate hydrolysis of cementitious materials. Measurement of degraded depth with time regarding calcium content was carried out. Impact of decalcification on transport properties was evaluated. Fly ash and blast furnace slag provide better properties for native mortars, and more particularly diffusion properties, but not as much as necessary to limit leaching in degraded material by chemical attack.