Design considerations for deep caverns in Opalinus Clay
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Date
2023-04-12
Publication Type
Conference Paper
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yes
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Abstract
The planned radioactive waste repository in Switzerland will be located within a ca. 900 m deep and 100 m thick layer of Opalinus Clay. Low- and intermediate-level waste will be emplaced in caverns with a diameter of 14 m. The great depth of cover and the rather low strength of Opalinus Clay (uniaxial compressive strength in the order of 3-5 MPa) are expected to result in squeezing conditions, which will be demanding to handle on account of the large dimensions of the cavern cross-sections. The paper investigates alterative concepts for the tunnel support, considering the uncertainties and peculiarities of the Opalinus Clay’s response to tunnelling – inter alia its very pronounced time-dependency. The development of relevant deformations will not cease even after several decades, while in the presence of a stiff lining the rock pressure would reach very high values within the service life of the caverns (in the order of about 3-4 MPa within a period of 20-30 years after excavation).
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published
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Book title
Expanding Underground - Knowledge and Passion to Make a Positive Impact on the World
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Pages / Article No.
2114 - 2121
Publisher
CRC Press
Event
ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress (WTC 2023)
Edition / version
1st Edition
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Organisational unit
03655 - Anagnostou, Georgios (emeritus) / Anagnostou, Georgios (emeritus)
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