Test Programme
The block design has been subject to a number of tests including structural
stability and shielding efficiency. The results of these tests are:
That a single empty block can be vertically
loaded to
25 tonnes (5 times
design) without catastrophic failure and an ability to almost return to
the original dimensions.
An empty block can carry a load of 7 concrete filled blocks (5 tonnes)
without significant distortion and will return to its former shape.
The 8 block high wall, filled with water, can tilt to at least 5% from
vertical without toppling.
The radiation shielding tests indicated that the efficiency at the joints
was just 17% less than that at the centre of the block.
Freezing tests have shown that water inside the block will take over
100hrs to freeze in a -22C cold room atmosphere and subsequently over 200 hours
to thaw in ambient conditions.
Impact tests have shown that individual blocks can withstand impact energies
of over 1.1kJ without failure.
Radiation
Stability
Polythene liners are regularly used in radioactive waste containers as the material
offers high stability under radiation conditions. See Ref 1. Up to 10E6 Gy before
softening occurs. The black material used in the MRP systems also offers higher
stability in UV radiation and is therefore suitable for outdoor use.
Recycling
The material of construction is perfectly suitable for recycling using modern
techniques of shredding and pelletising. Other contaminants (metallic backed
labels, thread inserts, etc) should be removed or minimised before recycling
is considered.