Nuclear Waste Management

Tunnel network optimisation

A Deep Geological Repository (DGR) is the facility intended to store the nuclear waste (Intermediate Level Waste or High-Level Waste) inside a stable geological formation. The DGR is based on the “multibarrier principle” that comprises a series of artificial and natural barriers to isolate the waste from biosphere. Such a unique facility, which is built in a few countries at a depth >500m, will involve the excavation of a network of tunnels in the suitable host rock. Also shafts and ramps will be required to connect with the surface facilities.

Due to the underground conditions and the nature of the waste, complex Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical and Chemical (THCM) processes will take place. Main objective of the DGR is to safely contain the highly pollutant waste for thousands of years. We gained valuable experience by completing successful projects during last 25 years. We support our clients with distinctive specialisation as well as in-depth knowledge in this field. Together, we develop the best solutions.

Services

Research experiments

Research activities and studies related to the definition of future underground repositories

Conceptual, basic and detailed studies
Tailored laboratory or mock-up experiments
Tailored in-situ experiments in URLs comprising:
EBS Components made from clays, cementitious materials or mixtures
Monitoring systems, including novelty sensors or data transmission systems
Tailored heating systems to reproduce the heat released by the nuclear waste.
Plugs made of clay, cementitious materials or mixtures
Follow-up (maintenance and reporting) of long-term experiments
Dismantling of experiments, analysis of components and reporting

Buried data transmission underground

Pre-design of the repository

Characterisation and exploration of the potential repository locations
Geotechnical studies
Planning and site location analysis
Preliminary repository design (underground structures, plugs, civil works, BIM & ventilation)

Design of the repository

Detailed design and determination of the base line at the final repository location
Final repository design (underground structures, plugs, civil works, BIM & ventilation)
Development (design, procurement, installation and maintenance) of the environmental monitoring systems to be implemented at the site.
Recording, managing and reporting of produced data.

Repository design

Implementation of the repository

Planning & tendering
Site supervision, management & consultancy during construction (mining phase).
The required services include 3D design of the ventilation (due to the required separation of circuits when the emplacement of the waste is started), logistic modelling and the related improvement of planned operations.

Operation of the underground storage facility

Monitoring of the performance of the EBS, adjustment of the ventilation and logistics improvement.
Application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) logistics to support to QA and QC processes.
Additionally, the recording, managing and reporting of produced data.

Competence

Broad expertise
Integral, innovative solutions
Experience with solving complex non-standard problems
Over 25 years of experience worldwide
Active involvement in international research and development projects

Benefits

Fewer interfaces thanks to our multidisciplinary team
Integration of BIM Modelling with geotechnical analysis and support design
Optimisation of complex underground structures
Reduction of construction cost
Determination of specific monitoring concepts.

Selected references

Project

HotBENT experiment GTS, Bern, Switzerland

Services

Design, procurement & installation

Client

Nagra, RWM, NUMO, NWMO, SURAO, USDoE, BGR, ENRESA & Obayashi

Project

MoDeRn & Modern2020 Europe

Services

Design of future monitoring system of the repository

Client

EU Framework Program of the EC Project, EURATOM & Horizon 2020 program.

Project

PROTOTYPE REPOSITORY experiment, Äspö URL, Sweden

Services

Design, procurement, installation and longterm follow-up of FO instrumentation.

Client

ENRESA & SKB

Project

SANDWICH Mont Terri URL, Switzerland

Services

Design, procurement & installation.

Client

Mont Terri Consortium (ENRESA, GRS y BGR)

Project

GDF Monitoring Arrangements for Construction and Operational Phases UK

Services

Technical support for DGR monitoring definition.

Client

Galson Sciences Limited

Project

MPT (Multipurpose Test) Äspö URL, Sweden

Services

Design, procurement & installation

Client

B + Tech OY (Finland)

Project

ALC1605 Bure URL, France

Services

Design, supply, installation and maintenance of heating system

Client

ANDRA

Project

VSEAL Tournemire URL, France

Services

Design, procurement, installation & long-term follow-up.

Client

IRSN