Site investigation and assessment
The selection of a suitable site is essential for the safe operation of an underground repository and the safe long-term isolation of waste after repository closure. Essential criteria for site suitability are the barrier properties of the rock formation, the hydrogeological conditions, and the predicted site development. Our repository siting know-how is concentrated within a multi-disciplinary team including geologists, hydro-geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, mining and civil engineers. This highly qualified team is experienced in solving the most complex problems.
Our range of expertise in this field includes:
- concepts and strategies for site exploration
- characterisation of the host rock and overburden by means of geological and hydrogeological mapping, geophysical measurements, drilling, and investigations in underground laboratories
- drilling works and analyses in underground research laboratories
- modelling of rock structures and hydrogeology
- safety-related site assessments and geoscientific long-term forecasts
- environmental impact assessments
References
- CHRISTA-III: Development of a methodology for the systematic derivation of expected and deviating developments in crystalline rock in Germany and exemplary application as a basis for assessing safe containment considering optimization measures (2022 - 2025)
- PRECODE: PRECODE (2021 - 2024)
- ANSICHT-II: Update of the safety and verification methodology for high-level radioactive waste disposal in claystone in Germany (2018 - 2022)
- Ansicht: Methodology and application relevance of a safety case concept for a high-level radioactive waste repository in claystone (2011 - 2017)
- VIRTUS: Virtual underground laboratory in rock salt (2010 - 2014)
- MODERN: Monitoring developments for safe repository operation and staged closure (2009 - 2013)
- VSG: Preliminary safety analysis for the Gorleben site (2010 - 2012)
- ISIBEL-II: Review and evaluation of the toolkit for the safety assessment of repositories for high-level radioactive waste (HAW) (2005 - 2010)
- EUGENIA: Development and implementation of technical concepts for repositories in deep geological formations in various host rocks (2007 - 2008)
- MUSTER: Investigation on the THM Behaviour of a Heated Bentonite Barrier by Measurements and Numerical Calculations (2003 - 2008)
- WIBASTA: Investigations on the effectiveness of the geological and geotechnical barrier system with regard to site selection in magmatic rocks (2005 - 2008)
- ISIBEL: Review and assessment of the toolkit for safety evaluation of high-level radioactive waste repositories (2005 - 2007)
- ASTER: Requirements for site characterization for high-level radioactive waste repositories in hard rock. (2002 - 2004)
