Integrating rock mechanics issues with repository design through design process principles and methodology
- Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States)
A good designer needs not only knowledge for designing (technical know-how that is used to generate alternative design solutions) but also must have knowledge about designing (appropriate principles and systematic methodology to follow). Concepts such as {open_quotes}design for manufacture{close_quotes} or {open_quotes}concurrent engineering{close_quotes} are widely used in the industry. In the field of rock engineering, only limited attention has been paid to the design process because design of structures in rock masses presents unique challenges to the designers as a result of the uncertainties inherent in characterization of geologic media. However, a stage has now been reached where we are be able to sufficiently characterize rock masses for engineering purposes and identify the rock mechanics issues involved but are still lacking engineering design principles and methodology to maximize our design performance. This paper discusses the principles and methodology of the engineering design process directed to integrating site characterization activities with design, construction and performance of an underground repository. Using the latest information from the Yucca Mountain Project on geology, rock mechanics and starter tunnel design, the current lack of integration is pointed out and it is shown how rock mechanics issues can be effectively interwoven with repository design through a systematic design process methodology leading to improved repository performance. In essence, the design process is seen as the use of design principles within an integrating design methodology, leading to innovative problem solving. In particular, a new concept of {open_quotes}Design for Constructibility and Performance{close_quotes} is introduced. This is discussed with respect to ten rock mechanics issues identified for repository design and performance.
- Research Organization:
- US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Washington, DC (United States). Div. of Regulatory Applications; Southwest Research Inst., San Antonio, TX (United States). Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses
- OSTI ID:
- 433005
- Report Number(s):
- NUREG/CP-0150; CONF-9409238-; ON: TI96011022; CNN: Grant DDM-9113241; TRN: 96:006559-0001
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Workshop on rock mechanics issues in repository design and performance assessment, Rockville, MD (United States), 19-20 Sep 1994; Other Information: PBD: Apr 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Workshop on rock mechanics issues in repository design and performance assessment; PB: 265 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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