Advances in technology for the construction of deep-underground facilities
The workshop was organized in order to address technological issues important to decisions regarding the feasibility of strategic options. The objectives of the workshop were to establish the current technological capabilities for deep-underground construction, to project those capabilities through the compressed schedule proposed for construction, and to identify promising directions for timely allocation of existing research and development resources. The earth has been used as a means of protection and safekeeping for many centuries. Recently, the thickness of the earth cover required for this purpose has been extended to the 2,000- to 3,000-ft range in structures contemplated for nuclear-waste disposal, energy storage, and strategic systems. For defensive missile basing, it is now perceived that the magnitude of the threat has increased through better delivery systems, larger payloads, and variable tactics of attack. Thus, depths of 3,000 to 8,000 ft are being considered seriously for such facilities. Moreover, it appears desirable that the facilities be operational (if not totally complete) for defensive purposes within a five-year construction schedule. Deep excavations such as mines are similar in many respects to nearsurface tunnels and caverns for transit, rail, sewer, water, hydroelectric, and highway projects. But the differences that do exist are significant. Major distinctions between shallow and deep construction derive from the stress fields and behavior of earth materials around the openings. Different methodologies are required to accommodate other variations resulting from increased depth, such as elevated temperatures, reduced capability for site exploration, and limited access during project execution. This report addresses these and other questions devoted to geotechnical characterization, design, construction, and excavation equipment.
- Research Organization:
- National Committee on Tunneling Technology, Washington, DC (United States); National Committee for Rock Mechanics, Washington, DC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); Defense Nuclear Agency, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AI05-86ER40298
- OSTI ID:
- 10176140
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8512135-Summ.; ON: DE94015607; BR: KA0301000
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Advances in technology for the construction of deep-underground facilities conference,Reston, VA (United States),12-14 Dec 1985; Other Information: PBD: 1987
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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