Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

The condition of the access drifts and shafts can be maintained over very long periods (severalcenturies or more) by the durability of their liners and the ability to conduct maintenance. This haslittle impact on the evolution of the cells.10.2.2 The behaviour of type C waste (or spent fuel) disposal cellsThere are three main stages in the evolution of type C waste or spent fuel disposal cells duringrepository operation: “Post package-placement”, “Post cell-sealing” and “Post module back-filling”. Infact the latter stage has very little impact on the evolution of the cells but is important to mention as itnotably reduces cell accessibility and, thus, disposal package accessibility.10.2.2.1 “Post package placement” stageThe heads of cells are accessible under the same conditions as at the time of placing the packages inthe disposal cells. As in the case of type B waste seen previously, the access drifts are ventilated,maintained and accessible (cf. Figure 10.2.5). Part of the structures, notably the cells, are monitoringusing physical measurements, supplemented by visual checks.Figure 10.2.5Accessibility of the heads of type C cells• Evolution of the cellThe evolution of the cell, not only during this stage but also during subsequent stages, is essentiallylinked to heat generation caused by the waste [13], [10].DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM375/495