Tome Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

4 - General architecture of the repository in a granite mediumFigure 4.3.2General diagram of transferring disposal packages from surface up to the cellCask docking and package emplacement operations are described in chapter 5 for B waste, chapter 6for C waste and chapter 7 for spent fuel.4.3.3 Repository module constructionConstruction activities include excavation, ground support and equipment of the undergroundinstallations. The organisation of these activities is similar to underground workings (tunnels) in termsof work type, and to mine workings in terms of depth, ventilation and century-long duration of theprocess.These activities call for permanent transportation of materials, equipment, ventilation air and operatorsin the underground installations.Among these activities throughputs, removal of excavated materials and ventilation are dimensioning.The organisation of broken muck transport from the blasting site to the broken muck dump for thistype of underground site can be split into several stages:- At first, the broken muck is collected at the work face by a load-haul-dump unit that tips thebroken muck into a truck or a mine trolley. Generally rail transport is the adopted solutionwhenever a high throughput of broken muck takes place underground over distances of more than2-3 km;- the broken muck is then tipped into skip hoists and raised to surface level through the constructionshaft or by trucks using the ramp;- finally at the surface, the broken muck is transferred to trucks or conveyor belts and routed to abroken muck dumpThe logic of this process is illustrated by Figure 4.3.3Dossier 2005 Granite - ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORY82/228