Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

4 – Waste disposal PackagesFigure 4.1.6 Variant of container with reinforced retention capability (illustration of B5.2package type)A perpective of an alternative container manufacture, called a monolith, may also be considered. Itwould be made up of a continuum of high-performance concrete poured in a single operation aroundthe primary waste packages. The uniformity of the pouring could thus prevent discontinuities fromconstruction joints between the container body and closing lids.An option for the manufacturing of such an object could lie in using a concrete with accelerated curingfrom using a suitable admixture; this would give the concrete sufficient mechanical strength to supportthe primary packages during manufacture. Specific questions on this manufacturing option relateparticularly to the concrete formulation, the principle of holding the packages in their correct positionduring the pouring operation and controlling the so-called "hindered" recovery to prevent fissuresforming.As indicated above, the Japanese agency RWMC has studied this type of solution and producedsuccessfully a demonstrator at 1/4 scale with a metal, parallelepipedal basket. The concrete used isDuctal® high-performance, fibre-reinforced concrete.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM119/495