2008 Volume 48 Issue 4 Pages 467-477
The fundamental characteristics of strength for the hydraulic fracturing of highly compacted bentonite were studied. Firstly, the constant pressurize rate tests were carried out for the material having various specifications. Secondly, the cyclic pressurize test was carried out to examine the self-sealing function as a buffer material. Thirdly, the constant pressure test was carried out to observe the change in strength during seepage. The observed phenomena were analytically examined. As a result, it was found that the strength for hydraulic fracturing of the buffer material increased with the increase of initial dry density, decrease of sand-mixture ratio and decrease of water content. The swelling pressure of the buffer material worked as a constraint stress for the strength for hydraulic fracturing. The fracture made by hydraulic fracturing was fixed through the supply of water. However a long period of low-pressure supply was needed to recover the strength at the failed parts. While the tensile failure was dominant, the specimen having a low dry density might be failed initially by the shear failure. When the water content became large during seepage, the strength for hydraulic fracturing reduced.
