The deep geological repository for radioactive waste in Switzerland will be embedded in an approximately 100 m thick layer of Opalinus Clay.The emplacement drifts for high-level waste(approximately 3.5 m diameter)are ...The deep geological repository for radioactive waste in Switzerland will be embedded in an approximately 100 m thick layer of Opalinus Clay.The emplacement drifts for high-level waste(approximately 3.5 m diameter)are planned to be excavated with a shielded tunnel boring machine(TBM)and supported by a segmental lining.At the repository depth of 900 m in the designated siting region Nordlich Lagern,squeezing conditions may be encountered due to the rock strength and the high hydrostatic pressure(90 bar).This paper presents a detailed assessment of the shield jamming and lining overstressing hazards,considering a stiff lining(resistance principle)and a deformable lining(yielding principle),and proposes conceptual design solutions.The assessment is based on three-dimensional transient hydromechanical simulations,which additionally consider the effects of ground anisotropy and the desaturation that may occur under negative pore pressures generated during the drift excavation.By addressing these design issues,the paper takes the opportunity to analyse some more fundamental aspects related to the influences of anisotropy and desaturation on the development of rock convergences and pressures over time,and their markedly different effects on the two lining systems.The results demonstrate that,regardless of these effects,shield jamming can be avoided with a moderate TBM overcut,however overstressing of a stiff lining may be critical depending on whether the ground desaturates.This uncertainty is eliminated using a deformable system with reasonable dimensions of yielding elements,which can also accommodate thermal strains generated due to the high temperature of the disposal canisters.展开更多
文摘The deep geological repository for radioactive waste in Switzerland will be embedded in an approximately 100 m thick layer of Opalinus Clay.The emplacement drifts for high-level waste(approximately 3.5 m diameter)are planned to be excavated with a shielded tunnel boring machine(TBM)and supported by a segmental lining.At the repository depth of 900 m in the designated siting region Nordlich Lagern,squeezing conditions may be encountered due to the rock strength and the high hydrostatic pressure(90 bar).This paper presents a detailed assessment of the shield jamming and lining overstressing hazards,considering a stiff lining(resistance principle)and a deformable lining(yielding principle),and proposes conceptual design solutions.The assessment is based on three-dimensional transient hydromechanical simulations,which additionally consider the effects of ground anisotropy and the desaturation that may occur under negative pore pressures generated during the drift excavation.By addressing these design issues,the paper takes the opportunity to analyse some more fundamental aspects related to the influences of anisotropy and desaturation on the development of rock convergences and pressures over time,and their markedly different effects on the two lining systems.The results demonstrate that,regardless of these effects,shield jamming can be avoided with a moderate TBM overcut,however overstressing of a stiff lining may be critical depending on whether the ground desaturates.This uncertainty is eliminated using a deformable system with reasonable dimensions of yielding elements,which can also accommodate thermal strains generated due to the high temperature of the disposal canisters.
