Application of analytical methods for jointed rock as part of a drift design methodology for the Yucca Mountain Project
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Agapito (J.F.T.) and Associates, Inc., Grand Junction, CO (United States)
The Yucca Mountain Project, managed by the Nevada Operations Office of the US Department of Energy (DOE), is examining the feasibility of siting a repository for high-level nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain, on and adjacent to the Nevada Test Site. Excavation stability will be required during construction, waste emplacement, retrieval (if required), and closure, covering a period of approximately 100 years. In order to incorporate a means of evaluating excavation stability in the design process, a drift design methodology has been developed. This methodology uses both empirical and analytical methods in conjunction with detailed descriptions of site conditions to evaluate a proposed design. At present, the emphasis is on analytical numerical methods because of the limited experience, in tuff at elevated temperatures. This paper describes the proposed methods for analysis of systematically jointed, isotropically jointed, and widely spaced, discretely jointed rock masses. Loads resulting from in situ stress, thermal expansion, and seismic events are considered. Criteria for strength and failure of intact rock and the rock mass are applied to analysis results to assess the stability of proposed drift designs and to guide the design of the ground support system.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 138366
- Report Number(s):
- SAND--89-1465C; CONF-9004171--4; ON: DE92008676
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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