Long-term monitoring experiences at the HADES Undergroud Lab and its relevance for radwaste repository monitoring

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    In the frame of its radwaste disposal research programme, SCK•CEN initiated the construction of the HADES underground research facility more than 30 years ago. Since then, several extensions and a comprehensive experimental programme have provided a large database on monitoring. As a support of the construction, monitoring has allowed to optimise the underground construction techniques in a previously poorly known environment, resulting in a well mastered application of mechanised gallery construction techniques with minimal disturbance and cost. Access to this formation also allows its detailed characterisation and investigation of phenomena (e.g. fracturing and oxidation). Finally, instrumented set-ups allow to test various numerical models by comparing the observations with the predicted behaviour. The specific conditions of the underground laboratory put particular requirements to the sensors. These conditions include the long-term nature (up to decades), the inaccessibility of many sensors after installation, high mechanical and water pressures, and corrosion. The experience gained give an indication on the critical success factors for monitoring of radwaste repositories. It has also become clear one must look beyond the technical part. Issues such as data management, including the handling of “unexpected” measurements, and record keeping are essential for a successful monitoring programme.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 15th International Conference on Environmental Remediation and Radioactive Waste Management. ICEM 2013 (on CD)
    Place of PublicationUnited States
    Pages1-7
    StatePublished - Sep 2013
    Event2013 - ICEM: 15th International Conference on Environmental Remediation and Radioactive Waste Management - ASME, Belgoprocess, SCK•CEN, Brussels
    Duration: 8 Sep 201312 Sep 2013

    Conference

    Conference2013 - ICEM
    Abbreviated titleICEM'13
    Country/TerritoryBelgium
    CityBrussels
    Period2013-09-082013-09-12

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