Research of Rock Mass Gas Conductivity with respect to Geological Disposal and the EDZ
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Research of Rock Mass Gas Conductivity with respect to Geological Disposal and the EDZ Jiri Svoboda1, Jan Smutek1 1 Czech Technical University in Prague, Centre of Experimental Geotechnics, Thákurova 6, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic ABSTRACT The geological disposal of radioactive waste, based on a multi-barrier concept wherein the first barrier consists of the metal waste container and the final barrier the host rock, is widely considered the only viable solution. Following disposal the risk will remain of the formation of gases due to corrosion and other processes. Research being carried out at the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU), Centre of Experimental Geotechnics (CEG), the Josef underground laboratory as part of FORGE and other projects focuses on gas migration in underground areas and especially within the EDZ. The research consists of several stages including the design of gas conductivity equipment destined for in-situ testing and the gas conductivity tests proper. An important part of the research involves the evaluation of a potential correlation between rock mass classification parameters and gas conductivity; a certain degree of correlation was identified in earlier research projects. The discovery of such a correlation would greatly assist in the future design of underground gas storage and deep radioactive waste facilities. INTRODUCTION Nuclear safety is a highly topical issue in terms not only of nuclear facility operation but also of the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste which is becoming increasingly important as countries realise that the time for final disposal is rapidly approaching. The geological disposal of such waste, based on a multi-barrier concept wherein the first barrier consists of the metal waste container and the final barrier the host rock, is widely considered the only viable solution. Following disposal the risk will remain of the formation of gases due to corrosion and other processes. Such gases could create preferential paths for the migration of radionuclides and, potentially, environmental contamination. Gases will seek the easiest migration paths including poorly-filled sections of the buffer and backfill as well as the excavation damaged zone (EDZ) adjacent to the access shafts, galleries, disposal holes and tunnels. Research being carried out at the CTU – CEG Josef underground laboratory as part of FORGE and other projects focuses on gas migration in underground areas and especially within the EDZ. The research consists of several stages including the design of gas conductivity equipment destined for in-situ testing and the gas conductivity tests proper. An important part of the research involves the evaluation of potential correlation between rock mass classification parameters and gas conductivity; a certain degree of correlation was identified in earlier research projects.
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JOSEF GALLERY The Josef gallery, opened by the Faculty of Civil Engineering in June 2007, is being used for the in-situ study of gas transport through disturbed rock. Th
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