Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

6 – Overall underground architecture6.4.3 Organisation of construction activitiesIn addition to the actual construction sites, construction work involves the transportation of largeamounts of broken rock, concrete and other materials. Transportation is via the access drifts and theshafts. Concrete and other materials are prepared at the surface installations. Broken rock are stored ina storage dump (see Chapter 8).The transportation of broken rock and concrete (as well as the transportation of backfill during closurework) is carried out in bulk by truck or railway. At this point in the studies, the use of trucks ispreferred for short distances and moderate flows and rail transport is used for long distances and majorflows.Other transportation requirements can be met by vehicles with pneumatic tyres with the advantage ofthe flexibility of this method of transport.Depending on the distances concerned, vehicle types and available space in the drifts, the method ofpropulsion may be diesel or electric with catenary, batteries or cable.Figure 6.4.3 shows an example of the organization of broken rock transport. Bins and silos provide theinterface between different modes of transport such as railways and shafts.Figure 6.4.3Block diagram of broken rock transportationConcrete can be manufactured on the surface. It is then conveyed by the force of gravity to the bottomof the shaft via piping (technique used in the construction of mine shafts, in particular) or mixingdrums lowered in the shaft cage. In the drifts, concrete can be transported by mixing drums on a truck(distances of up to 1 to 2 km) or by train (distances of over 2 km) and is pumped into place once it isnear the site.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM273/495