Effect of fracture voids on the swelling behaviour of Callovo-Oxfordian claystone

The Callovo-Oxfordian (COx) claystone has been considered as a possible host rock for deep geological repository of high-level radioactive waste in France. When constructing the repository, it is unavoidable to generate fractured zone vicinity excavated walls. In assessment performance, important investigate role fractures on swelling capacity COx and further characterize evolution. this study, effect fracture voids behaviour was investigated by simulating with space created limited amount grains sandwiched between disks, performing series tests oedometer under low vertical stress (0.05 MPa) pressure constant-volume condition. Results showed that, water infiltrating into sample voids, collapsed before disks. whole composed zones corresponding disks higher dry density than expected final value, compression initial lower density. Moreover, axial strain decreased void increased. maximum that might be fully filled (sealing) were found 5.14%–7.65% without considering long-term creep contribution field