Summary of nuclear-excavation applications
Conference
·
OSTI ID:4133931
Although many nuclear-excavation applications have been proposed, few have been seriously considered and none have been brought to fruition. This paper summarizes and discusses specific examples of a canal, a harbor, a highway cut and a nuclear quarry, all of which have been studied in some detail. It is believed that useful demonstration projects - such as a deep-water harbor and a nuclear quarry - can be safely accomplished with existing technology. Current assessments of the feasibility of constructing a sea-level canal in either Panama or Colombia appear to be favorable from a technical viewpoint. The concept of close spacing in row-charge designs has made it possible to greatly reduce the estimated required salvo yields for both proposed canals. Salvo yields have been reduced from 35 Mt to 13 Mt in Colombia and 11 Mt in Panama. As a result, the seismic motions predicted for large cities in these countries are similar to motions produced in populated areas in the United States by nuclear tests and earthquakes in which no real damage to residential or high-rise structures was noted. (author)
- Research Organization:
- California Univ., Livermore, CA (United States) Lawrence Radiation Lab.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
- NSA Number:
- NSA-24-041483
- OSTI ID:
- 4133931
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-700101--(Vol.1)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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