First-quarter report of neutron logging during the heating phase of the drift-scale test
The Drift-Scale Test (DST) is one of the thermal tests being conducted in the Exploratory Studies Facility (ESF). One of the purposes of the DST is to study, at the ESF, the coupled thermal- mechanical- hydrologic-chemical (TMHC) processes at the repository horizon of the potential high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The objectives, the test design, and the test layouts of the DST are included in the test design report by the Civilian Radioactive Waste Management System Management and Operation (CRWMS M&O) contractors. The configuration of the DST includes a declining observation drift driven mostly east and downward from main tunnel in the ESF at approximately 2.827 km from the north portal. The downward slope of the observation drift (11.5% to 14.0%) ensures a minimum of 10 m of middle nonlithophysal Topopah Spring tuff as the overburden for the DST. The length of the observation drift is approximately 136 m. At the elevation of the DST crown (nominally 10 m below the upper extent of the middle nonlithophysal Topopah Spring tuff), the connecting drift breaks out to the north from the observation drift 136 m from the main tunnel of the ESF. The connecting drift extends approximately 40 m to the north from the observation drift. A heater drift breaks out westward from the connecting drift at approximately 30 m from the observation drift. The heater drift consists of an 11-m-long entry, which includes a plate-loading niche, and a 47-m-long heated drift. The nominal diameter of the drifts is 5 m. The detail configuration of the DST, including diagrams showing the drift and borehole layout, is included in the test design report by CRWMS M&O contractors.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 305957
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-ID--130736; ON: DE98057893; CNN: W-7405-Eng-48
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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