Soil Sampling and Laboratory Testing for the HYDROMINE Demonstrator

As part of the HYDROMINE project, comprehensive soil sampling and laboratory investigations have been carried out using material collected at the future demonstrator site at the KOSD quarry in Poland. The samples, taken from the soil layer covering the basalt deposit, were analysed to characterise their physical, mechanical and chemical properties and to support the geotechnical assessment of the site.

Laboratory investigations included grain-size distribution, natural moisture content, bulk density, shear strength and compressibility. The results show that the material consists predominantly of sand (approximately 46–57%) with a significant silt fraction (31–38%) and smaller amounts of gravel. Based on the applicable classification standard, the samples were identified as silty sand with gravel. The measured shear strength ranged from approximately 65 to 149 kPa, depending on the test conditions.

Chemical analyses indicate predominantly mineral material with an almost neutral reaction and no significant concentrations of substances that could cause chemical aggression to polymers or buried structures.

Overall, the results provide an important basis for assessing soil behaviour, stability and suitability for the planned HYDROMINE demonstrator and associated engineering structures.

soil samples