RD&D-Programme 2004 - SKB

Table 5. Important technology development issues – Current status, planned activities and preliminary interim goals linked to design steps (cf also Table 3b).
Technology issue/
subsystem
RD&D – current status RD&D – planned
activities, reference
Reference design D1 – permit application for
encapsulation plant
D2 – permit application
for deep repository
Main and construction
documents
Rock excavation technology
– Excavation methods
Choice of technology for
different repository parts.
Good knowledge base via
own rock works and R&D,
plus long involvement in
sector development.
Extensive investigations
with focus on
near-field properties
and performance of
different excavation
methods, see section
10.1.
Boring or blasting of
descent ramp, transport
tunnels, rock caverns and
deposition tunnels. Boring
of deposition holes.
Excavation methods and
execution for deposition
tunnels, accesses and other
openings preliminarily
chosen and explained.
Important links to other
subsystems described.
Updating of methods
and execution described.
Renewed analysis
performed of links to
industrial safety and
reliability as well as longterm
safety. Environmental
aspects described.
Chosen methods are
included in the background
information for
contracts for all rock
works, starting with
ramp and shafts.
– Rock sealing
Rock characterization
plus materials and technology
for sealing of rock
chambers.
Basic and applied R&D
for all parts of the sealing
issue (characterization,
materials, technology) has
been pursued for a long
time. Low-pH grout under
development.
Further development
of methodology for
rock characterization
and grouting.
Continued R&D to
develop suitable materials,
see section 10.1.
Pre-grouting as needed,
with conventional cementitious
grouts.
Rough estimate of quantity
and distribution of grouting
material. Theoretical impact
on groundwater level
described.
Site-specific account of
possible sealing technique,
material choice, estimated
consumption and impact
on long-term safety and
environment.
Chosen sealing method
is included in background
information for
contracts for all rock
works, starting with
ramp and shafts.
Engineering materials
Materials (quantities,
properties, possible
consequences) for
installations, stabilization,
sealing etc brought into
the repository and left
behind after closure.
Quantities and distributions
of engineering
materials and materials
that will be left behind
have been calculated,
see reference design.
Re-examination of
material choices, with
aim of minimizing
amounts of cementitious
materials left
behind, see section
10.1.
Quantity calculations
based on reference
design of underground
facility. Conventional
materials are assumed.
Alternative materials
examined with regard to
construction and operation.
Revision performed of
quantity and type of
engineering materials,
and judgements made of
impact on long-term safety
and environment.
Engineering materials
preliminarily chosen and
quantities calculated.
Impact on long-term safety
analyzed. Analyses of
industrial safety and
reliability as well as
environmental aspects
presented.
Main and construction
documents based on
chosen materials and
methods.
Adaptation to
rock properties –
deposition areas
and deposition holes
Methodology/criteria for
determining whether a
rock volume can be used
for deposition. Includes
respect distance.
Considerable R&D
conducted on respect
distance and requirements
on rock conditions
in deposition positions.
Re-examination of
methodology for respect
distance under way.
Further development
and examination
of methodology for
respect distance and
for choice of deposition
positions, see sections
19.2.5–19.2.8.
Preliminary guideline
values for respect
distance in earlier design
steps, methodology for
investigations etc in later
steps.
Adaptation of configuration
based on data from initial
site investigation and
preliminary design premises.
Adaptation of configuration
based on data from
complete site investigation
and updated design
premises.
Criteria and methodology
for determination of deposition
positions approved,
application based on data
from detailed characterization.
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