Abstract
The 20 papers in this Special Issue address questions related to the safe deep geological disposal of radioactive waste. Here we summarize the main results of these papers related to issues such as: formation of the excavation damaged zone, self-sealing processes, thermohydro-mechanical processes, anaerobic corrosion, hydrogen production and effects of microbial activity, and transport and retention processes of radionuclides. In addition, we clarify the question of transferability of results to other sites and programs and the role of rock laboratories for cooperation and training. Finally, we address the important role of the Mont Terri rock laboratory for the public acceptance of radioactive waste disposal. characterization of claystone like the Opalinus Clay (Bossart and Thury 2007; Delay et al. 2014). Examples are: a methodology for geochemical characterization of porewaters (Pearson et al. 2003), a new technique for in situ diffusion and retention of radionuclides (Wersin et al. 2004), and new geophysical methods for testing the generation and self-sealing of the excavation disturbed and damaged zones in argillaceous rocks (Schuster et al. 2017). One of the major benefits for the Mont Terri Project Partners is the experience gained from these investigations in the Mont Terri rock laboratory. This can be used for the development and planning of new site investigations and characterization programs. Furthermore, these techniques and methodologies can be also transferred for development of new underground rock facilities in other countries.
Editorial handling: A. G. Milnes.
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Acknowledgements
Olivier Leupin (Nagra), Martin Herfort (ENSI), and Geoffrey Milnes (Scientific Editor of SJG) are kindly thanked for their constructive review of this manuscript. Roy Freeman is thanked for improving the English.
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Bossart, P. (2018). Twenty years of research at the Mont Terri rock laboratory: what we have learnt. In: Bossart, P., Milnes, A. (eds) Mont Terri Rock Laboratory, 20 Years. Swiss Journal of Geosciences Supplement, vol 5. Birkhäuser, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70458-6_22
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