Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

5 – Repository ModulesFigure 5.1.1tubesTunnel with horizontal guideFigure 5.1.2Cavity with vertical guide tubesFigure 5.1.3 Tunnel for parallelepipedicdisposal packages (horizontal handling)Figure 5.1.4 Tunnel for parallelepipedicdisposal packages (vertical handling)• Summing upIn conclusion, the choice (Figure 5.1.3) described below corresponds to the concept of parallelepipedicdisposal packages piled in a parallelepipedic chamber, with horizontal handling.5.1.2.2 The solution adopted• GeneralThe chosen disposal cell is a sub-horizontal, dead-end tunnel, with a useful length of approximately250 m 60 and an excavated diameter of between 10 and 12 m. The tunnel is concrete-lined. This cellconsists of an irradiating chamber in which the packages are disposed of using a remote-controlled lifttruck. The cell head is equipped with a radiological protection chamber for protecting personnel whenextracting a disposal package from its protective transfer cask. The cell is ventilated throughout itsperiod of service for evacuating gases generated by the packages.The cell is linked to the connecting drift network via a small diameter access drift.This drift will besealed when the cell is closed.This concept is illustrated by Figure 5.1.5 which shows the cell inoperational configuration and Figure 5.1.6 which shows the cell in sealed configuration.60This useful length is associated to a total length of around 270 m, including disposal cell head and far end.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM165/495