Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

5 – Repository ModulesFigure 5.1.9Diagram of the concept adopted by JNC (Japan) on a sedimentary siteIn Germany, the Konrad project is aimed at disposing of non-exothermic radioactive waste in acalcareous marl layer of an old iron mine (Konrad in Lower Saxony). The primary packages aregrouped into non-irradiating cylindrical or parallelepipedal disposal packages (see section 4.1.2). Thedisposal chambers are either existing chambers that have possibly been widened and/or lengthened, ornew chambers. They are approximately 7 m wide and 6 m high. They may be up to 1000 m long. Thepackages put in place using a lift truck are stacked on 3 levels. After filling up a length of 50 m ofdisposal cell, a concrete wall is erected to isolate this cell section and spaces in this section are filledwith a cement-based material by pumping.Figure 5.1.10Diagram of the disposal concept adopted by DBE (Germany) at the Konrad siteThis summary shows that the cell concepts studied abroad for B type waste or similar in sedimentaryrocks display similarities with the concept envisaged by Andra.The cells are horizontal tunnels with dimensions of the same order of size as that of the cells studiedby Andra (up to 10 or 15 m). There are differences in lining due to the mechanical behaviour of thevarious host rocks.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM171/495