Evaluation of oxidation of Boom Clay during construction and operation of a radioactive waste repository

Within the Sixth Framework Programme bey the European Commission, NF-PRO is an Integrated Project on the key-processes and their couplings in the near-field of a repository for the geological disposal of vitrified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel. For the construction and operation of a geological repository of radioactive waste, the excavation and ventilation of galleries is necessary. As such, the oxidation of the anaerobic host rock, containing pyrite, is unavoidable. This chemical perturbation can affect the favourable host rock characteristics and influence the engineered barrier system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent of oxidation in the Boom Clay related to excavation of galleries; the evolution of the extent of oxidation during ventilation of galleries. The latter aspect might deliver important input towards design, especially concerning the time to leave galleries open. Some valuable information towards performance assessment can be given as well