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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Mechanical excavator performance in Yucca Mountain tuffs

Conference ·
OSTI ID:137977
 [1];  [2]
  1. Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (USA)
  2. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)

A research effort of four phases is in progress at the Colorado School of Mines. The overall program will evaluate the cutability of welded tuff and other lithologies likely to be excavated at Yucca Mountain in the site characterization process. Several mechanical systems are considered with emphasis given to the tunnel boring machine. The research comprises laboratory testing, linear drag bit and disc cutter tests and potentially large-scale laboratory demonstrations to support potential use of a tunnel boring machine in welded tuff. Preliminary estimates of mechanical excavator performance in Yucca Mountain tuff are presented here. As phases of the research project are completed, well quantified estimates will be made of performance of mechanical excavators in the Yucca Mountain tuffs. 3 refs., 2 tabs.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
137977
Report Number(s):
SAND--90-2310C; CONF-910435--34; ON: DE91006215
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English