Petrofabric analysis of the deformational behavior of Lyons, KS and Jefferson Island, LA rock salt. Technical memorandum report RSI-0063

This report summarizes the results obtained from a series of petrofabric analyses of deformed and undeformed salt specimens. The specimens were originally obtained from a bedded salt mine near Lyons, Kansas where Project Salt Vault was conducted and from an operating salt mine in a domal salt formation at Jefferson Island, LA. Specimens from each site were tested in quasi-static triaxial compression and triaxial creep at RE/SPEC Inc. Subsequently, specimens which exhibited representative macroscopic deformational characteristics were selected for these fabric studies. The purpose of the petrofabric studies is to assist in developing a fundamental physical understanding of the mechanical results. Undeformed specimens were examined by optical techniques to determine preferred crystal orientations. Deformed specimens were studied by petrofabric techniques in order to characterize the deformational mechanisms. Finally, the results of the petrofabrics are compared to the mechanical data