U. S. Geological Survey investigations in connection with the dining car event, U12e. 18 tunnel, rainier mesa, Nevada test site
The Dining Car event was a Defense Nuclear Agency nuclear weapons test located in the U12e.18 drift of the E-tunnel complex, central Rainier Mesa, Area 12, Nevada Test Site. The main drift and bypass drift were mined in zeolitized tuff to a total length of 544 m (1,785 ft). The overburden thickness above the experiment is approximately 396 m (1,300 ft) in the U12e.18 area. The pre-Tertiary surface, which is most probably quartzite in this area, is located approximately 243.8 to 274.3 m (800 to 900 ft) below tunnel level. Site geology and geophysical investigations were made in one vertical and two horizontal drill holes prior to mining of the U12e.18 drift. Electric logs in the two horizontal holes indicate no extensive zones of argillization which might create problems in tunnelling. Geophysical logs in the vertical exploratory hole suggest that the tuff is saturated at a depth of about 244 m (800 ft). Electric logs in all three holes show a pronounced signature in tunnel bed 4J. Seismic velocities obtained in the tunnel after mining compare favorably with sonic velocities obtained in one hole by means of a sonic probe, indicating that the bulk geologic structure is not significant in affecting seismic-wave propagation. This condition is not always observed in such comparisons. A repeat seismic survey in the tunnel showed no change in seismic velocity 4 months after mining. In situ stresses determined by the overcore technique are within experience for the Rainier Mesa tunnel complex.
- Research Organization:
- Geological Survey, Denver, CO (USA). Geologic Div.
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-A-08-0474
- OSTI ID:
- 6775545
- Report Number(s):
- USGS-474-246
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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BEDROCK PROJECT
DINING CAR EVENT
EXPLOSIONS
GEOLOGY
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
NEVADA TEST SITE
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
SITE PREPARATION
UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS