The Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) have carried
out site investigations, preliminary design and assessments of both environmental
impact and long term safety at two sites in Sweden. The design strategy was
steered by requirements related to nuclear safety and radiation protection, environmental
impact, workers safety and industrial welfare and quality, flexibility and cost
efficiency. It was also devised that the geoscientific results from the site investigations
together with other nearby underground experiences was the prime input for
the design tasks.
This paper presents the process of establishing the site adaptation of a repository
based on prescribed requirements and site conditions. This includes selection
of repository depth, tunnel locations and alignments due to local site conditions.
The technical evaluation included layout and layout efficiency, constructability,
rock mechanic considerations including preliminary rock support and evaluation
of grouting needs to meet inflow requirements. A hazard assessment was carried
out, primarily focusing on the uncertainties in the site model. Examples are given
from the two sites.
Some design key aspects for the site selection will be presented, as well as the
future plan for development of the repository at the chosen site. Design strategy for a Final Respository for spent fuel in Sweden