Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory project synthesis of phase I investigation 2001-2005 volume "Geological Disposal Research"

Fujita, Tomoo ; Taniguchi, Naoki ; Matsui, Hiroya ; Tanai, Kenji ; Nishimura, Mayuka; Kobayashi, Yasushi; Hiramoto, Masayuki; Maekawa, Keisuke  ; Sawada, Atsushi ; Makino, Hitoshi ; Sasamoto, Hiroshi   ; Yoshikawa, Hideki; Shibata, Masahiro ; Wakasugi, Keiichiro; Hama, Katsuhiro ; Kurikami, Hiroshi  ; Kunimaru, Takanori; Ishii, Eiichi   ; Takeuchi, Ryuji  ; Nakano, Katsushi; Ota, Kunio ; Seo, Toshihiro ; Miyahara, Kaname  ; Naito, Morimasa ; Yui, Mikazu

This report summarizes the progress of research and development on geological disposal during the surface-based investigation phase (2001-2005) in the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory project (HOR), of which aims are to apply the design methods of geological disposal and mass transport analysis to actual geological environments and derive future subjects based on the results. The design methods of geological disposal were reviewed based on the recent knowledge and the advertences were identified. Then the parameters for virtual design of engineered barrier system, backfill deposition hole and tunnel were set up based on actual geological conditions obtained from the surface-based investigations in HOR as an example of actual geological environment. The conceptual structure from site investigation and evaluation to mass transport analysis was represented as a work flow at first. Then following this work flow a series of procedures for mass transport analysis were carried out based on actual geological conditions obtained from the surface-based investigations in HOR to illustrate the functioning of the work flow and the applicability of this methodology. Consequently, knowledge that will help follow-up or future execution and planning activities was obtained.