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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Summary of Near-Surface Test Facility results and their application to repository design

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7014411

Results from ongoing and newly initiated tests at the Near-Surface Test Facility have contributed substantially to the store of knowledge of rock mass characterization of basalt at a variety of temperatures. Enhancements in monitoring instrumentation and testing techniques have likewise been achieved. These developments have already assisted in the determination of site suitability of Hanford basalt formations and have contributed to refinement of predictive numerical models for use in repository design. Most recently, the testing program has resulted in the following: an improved method of determining thermal expansion effects on the borehole deformation gage; an improved method of monitoring the stress relief process during the doorstopper overcoring process; the development of a high-resolution optical device for monitoring rock mass deformation in several directions simultaneously; a preliminary indication that the columnar structure of basalt is reflected by significant differences in deformational characteristics parallel and perpendicular to the columns; initial values of block test deformation modulus to establish a relationship between small- and large-scale modulus test results; and the observation that slabbing and decrepitation of borehole walls do not occur in basalt even at temperatures that are twice the design value (i.e., at 400/sup 0/C). 5 figures.

Research Organization:
Rockwell International Corp., Richland, WA (USA). Energy Systems Group
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-77RL01030
OSTI ID:
7014411
Report Number(s):
RHO-BW-SA-256-P; CONF-821205-20; ON: DE83001755
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English