Objective
The multiple barrier concept is the cornerstone of all proposed schemes for underground disposal of radioactive wastes. The concept invokes a series of barriers, both engineered and natural, between the waste and the surface. Achieving this concept is the primary objective of all disposal programmes, from site appraisal and characterisation to repository design and construction. However, the performance of the repository as a whole (waste, buffer, engineering disturbed zone, host rock), and in particular its gas transport properties, are still poorly understood. Issues still to be adequately examined that relate to understanding basic processes include: dilational versus visco-capillary flow mechanisms; long-term integrity of seals, in particular gas flow along contacts; role of the EDZ as a conduit for preferential flow; laboratory to field up-scaling. Understanding gas generation and migration is thus vital in the quantitative assessment of repositories and is the focus of the research in this proposal for an integrated, multi-disciplinary project. The FORGE proposal is for a pan-European project with links to international radioactive waste management organisations, regulators and academia, specifically designed to tackle the key research issues associated with the generation and movement of repository gasses. Of particular importance are the long-term performance of bentonite buffers, plastic clays, indurated mudrocks and crystalline formations. Further experimental data are required to reduce uncertainty relating to the quantitative treatment of gas in performance assessment. FORGE will address these issues through a series of laboratory and field-scale experiments, including the development of new methods for up-scaling allowing the optimisation of concepts through detailed scenario analysis. The FORGE partners are committed to training and CPD through a broad portfolio of training opportunities and initiatives which form a significant part of the project.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
FP7-Fission-2008
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
CP-IP - Large-scale integrating projectCoordinator
SN2 1EU SWINDON WILTSHIRE
United Kingdom
See on map
Participants (24)
Participation ended
0402 MIOVENI - ARGES
See on map
CA24 3HU MOOR ROW
See on map
169 03 Solna
See on map
1160 Bruxelles / Brussel
See on map
92298 Chatenay Malabry
See on map
75015 PARIS 15
See on map
28040 MADRID
See on map
08034 Barcelona
See on map
75794 Paris
See on map
59651 Villeneuve D Ascq Cedex
See on map
75008 Paris
See on map
50667 Koln
See on map
5430 Wettingen
See on map
4000 Liege
See on map
27160 Eurajoki
See on map
160 00 Praha
See on map
250 68 Husinec Rez
See on map
92260 Fontenay Aux Roses
See on map
115400 Mioveni
See on map
04279 Leipzig
See on map
LT-44403 Kaunas
See on map
5200 BRUGG
See on map
1000 BRUSSEL
See on map
110000 Praha
See on map