Abstract
In order to tackle the particular issues presented by the existence of an Excavation Damaged Zone (EDZ) along disposal cells and tunnels and the subsequent potential occurrence of preferential flow paths and radionuclide migration, a specific Component on the EDZ has been incorporated into the EC Integrated Project on the Near-Field (NF-PRO) . This Component is organised into several Work Packages matching the foreseeable EDZ evolution during the repository lifetime: (i) the "initial phase", corresponding to EDZ development induced by underground excavations and rock stress release; (ii) the "transient phase", corresponding to the repository operating phase, mainly characterised by desaturation, temperature increase and resaturation processes; (iii) the "long-term phase", corresponding to the post-closure repository period, mainly characterised by EDZ self-sealing / self-healing and gas transport processes.
The scientific results obtained through the numerous tasks included in the Component cover various aspects of EDZ investigation (desk studies, experimental work on representative rock samples, in situ experiments in URLs, numerical modelling) and are integrated into a global EDZ impact evaluation to be forwarded to the Component of the project devoted to process coupling and integration in the general performance assessment of the near-field.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Symposium Proceedings. Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXIX |
Place of Publication | Warrendale, United States |
Pages | 87-94 |
State | Published - Jun 2006 |
Event | MRS 2005. Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXIX - SCK•CEN, Gent Duration: 12 Sep 2005 → 16 Sep 2005 |
Conference
Conference | MRS 2005. Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXIX |
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Country/Territory | Belgium |
City | Gent |
Period | 2005-09-12 → 2005-09-16 |