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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Emmanuel Arinze, Dr Colin DavieORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Copyright © 2025 Emmanuel E. Arinze and Colin T. Davie. Journal of Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 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.
Author(s): Arinze EE, Davie CT
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Engineering
Year: 2025
Volume: 2025
Online publication date: 03/02/2025
Acceptance date: 18/12/2024
Date deposited: 07/04/2025
ISSN (print): 2314-4904
ISSN (electronic): 2314-4912
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1155/je/5542006
DOI: 10.1155/je/5542006
Data Access Statement: The data supporting the findings of this study, including the experimental results and analyses of the bentonite–laterite mixtures, are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Due to confidentiality agreements and the nature of the funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Nigeria, and Newcastle University, some data may be restricted. All relevant material and datasets used during the research have been duly referenced in the manuscript.
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