ABSTRACT
The knowledge of the mechanical behavior of rock salt, especially the creep behavior, is important for the dimensioning and the long-term safety analysis of underground openings. The multiple internal configuration of the salt structures has to be taken into account in the corresponding model calculations. A mapping and characterization procedure based on laboratory creep tests is outlined. The results demonstrate the suitability and the efficiency of the method in which the classification of the rock mass is performed by the identification of areas of similar creep ductility. It provides the basis for the derivation of a site specific geo-mechanical model. The method was used for the site characterization of the Morsleben salt structure and the Gorleben salt dome. For the Morsleben site an example is given concerning the influence of several geological-mineralogical parameters on the creep behavior.
