Rock mechanics for siting radioactive waste repositories in hard rock

The purpose of the work presented in this paper is to develop an integrated strategy for incorporating the rock mechanics and rock engineering aspects into site, selection, repository design; construction, waste emplacement and closure for a radioactive waste disposal programme. The basic concept for deep geologic disposal and the role of bedrock in the design process are described in brief. In the overall disposal context, it is necessary to have a holistic approach and consider the complete system model of Geology (G), Thermal processes (T), Hydrogeology (H), Mechanical processes (M), Chemical processes (C) and Engineering activities (E). The strategy of incorporating rock mechanics data in five different stages of a waste disposal programme are presented. From a list of activities, existing gaps in the information and knowledge can be identified and research needs can be prioritised.