Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Geostatistical estimation of elevations within the Cohassett flow at the reference repository location

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6205781

Geostatistical methods are used to estimate positions and associated uncertainties of key horizons in the Cohassett flow to define the probability that repository tunnels for a given design will maintain appropriate vertical distances from either the flow top or flow bottom. Because specific requirements for waste emplacement, haulage, and drainage result in repository tunnels that do not precisely follow the geologic structure, structural attitude and thickness of the Cohassett flow interior are key factors in repository placement. The Cohassett flow structural attitude was estimated by ordinary kriging of top-of-basalt borehole data, thus providing more elevation control than deeper horizons. Estimation standard deviations were calculated to determine the uncertainty of the estimates. Using these standard deviations and planned repository elevations, an assessment was made as to how well the proposed repository workings would ''fit'' in the Cohassett flow given an 80% confidence criterion. Regions where the repository did not satisfy the criterion were identified, and can be used to locate sites for additional geologic borehole drilling to reduce uncertainties. Evaluation of optional drilling plans revealed that a combination of deep and shallow boreholes would produce greatest reduction in standard deviations (uncertainty) for a given drilling budget. 4 refs., 24 figs.

Research Organization:
Rockwell International Corp., Richland, WA (USA). Rockwell Hanford Operations
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-77RL01030
OSTI ID:
6205781
Report Number(s):
RHO-BW-CR-155-P; ON: DE87013005
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English