Interaction of molten metals/oxides with concretes – IMMOC

This project aims to bring new knowledge in the understanding of the interaction between molten metals or oxides and concretes. Under these conditions, concretes are subjected to intense degradation. Exploratory experiments carried out with concrete samples and loaded with molten stainless steel have shown that damaging kinetics may involve unexpected capillary driven phenomena. These latter have not yet been fully considered in the description of molten metals/oxides and concretes interaction despite their importance for nuclear safety. The main objective of this proposal is to investigate this problem using a methodology that will allow an accurate description of the mechanisms involved and by ensuring well controlled experimental conditions. The question of heat input will for example be carefully addressed by the development of new experimental setups. In situ and post-mortem analysis techniques will be used to investigate local concrete alteration kinetics and phase distributions. This study is expected to produce original insights into the mechanisms involved in the early stage of concrete damaging arising in severe nuclear accidents.