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Published in:
2025 | OriginalPaper | Chapter
Geotechnical Risk Analysis for the Comparison of the Siting Regions for Deep Geological Repositories in Switzerland
Authors : Julia Leuthold, Annette Soll, Linard Cantieni, Peter Kirchhofer
Published in: Recent Developments of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnics in Theory and Practice
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland
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Abstract
The Site selection process for deep geological repositories for radioactive waste in Switzerland is defined by a respective sectoral plan. Siting regions are compared based on thirteen criteria specified by the sectoral plan. This paper presents the geotechnical risk analysis which is used for the assessment of constructional suitability of the three siting regions. The analysis considers project-specific geological and hydrogeological conditions and construction measures. The geotechnical risk analysis identifies and evaluates risks arising from deviations of ground conditions during the construction, operation, and closure of the repository (i.e. fault zones and adverse ground parameters). The analysis is based on selected underground structures which are representative for the entire repository. Mitigation measures are proposed for inacceptable initial risk values to minimize the residual risk to an acceptable level.
Particularly the risk analysis identifies the following main hazards: (i) inadmissible ground displacements and damage of the lining due to squeezing ground, (ii) tunnel face collapse on repository level and (iii) inadmissible water ingress during the construction of the access shafts. Special attention is given to hazards with a very low probability but a very high impact, which cannot be further reduced by reasonable measures. Respective risks are associated with the tunnel boring machine excavation of the drifts for high level waste (i.e. jamming of the shield, face collapse and damage of the lining).
Overall, the results of the geotechnical risk analysis confirm the technical feasibility and suitability of all three sites for the construction, operation, and closure of geological deep repositories.
