Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

6 – Overall underground architecture6.1.4 Quantities and flows of packages and materials to be transferred into undergroundinstallationsAs far as quantities are concerned (number of cells, excavated volumes, repository footprint areas), therepository architecture is determined directly by the number of waste packages to be disposed.The architecture is also determined by the progress of the disposal process, which is involved at twolevels. On the one hand, the duration of the pre-disposal storage of highly exothermic packagesinfluences the number of packages disposed per cell and the spacing between cells. On the other hand,with a progressive approach to repository construction, the rate at which packages are placed in therepository affects that of the construction work and, therefore, the dimensioning of the infrastructuresrequired to carry out the work.The quantitative data on which the architectures described in this chapter are based, refer to thevarious study scenarios and package receipt flow assumptions described in Chapter 3. The volumes ofdisposal packages are those of the packages described in Chapter 4. The number and layout of the cellscorrespond to the descriptions in Chapter 5.From a thermal point of view, the figures given in this section correspond to “at the earliest reasonabledisposal” of highly exothermic packages, with the options described in Chapter 5. The influence ofany extension of the duration of the pre-disposal storage and a change in the placement rate will bediscussed in section 6.6.6.1.4.1 Summary of the number of packages taken into account and the number of cellsTable 6.1.1 summarizes the number of primary packages of waste and spent fuel to be taken intoaccount in the event of a decision to treat them also as waste. The corresponding numbers of thedisposal packages and disposal cells are shown.From a thermal point of view, three levels can be considered:- Non-exothermic or slightly exothermic packages (B packages),- Moderately exothermic packages (C0 packages), that can be disposed of without prior storage,- Highly exothermic packages (C1 to C4 packages and, where applicable, CU1 and CU2), whichrequire prior storage for several decades, the duration of which affects the dimensioning of therepository zones.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM256/495