Effects of fluid-rock interaction on rock salt strength

Rock salt formations are often chosen as repository media for the underground storage of hydrocarbons, and industrial and radioactive wastes because they are assumed to be impervious to fluids. Mechanical drilling, however, can disturb the rock salt and lead to an increase of its permeability. This permeability associated with damage may induce significant hydromechanical coupled effects, which may make it difficult to assess the safety of the repository. An experimental investigation based on triaxial compression tests was undertaken to study the effect of fluid-rock interactions on the strength of rock salt.