SITE CHARACTERIZATION PLAN - HANFOD WASHINGTON CHAPTER 2 - GEOEGINEERING

Understanding geoengineering properties of host rock is fundamental for determining repository construction feasibility and evaluating the ability of host rock to provide a structural barrier to the migration of radionuclide's. The shafts, access drifts, emplacement rooms, and emplacement holes should be designed, excavated, monitored, and maintained in such a way that they remain stable during the repository life. To assure adequate performance of the repository in the preclosure and postclosure stages, rock geoengineering properties, and the underground conditions surrounding the repository should be understood.