Publications Details
Implementation of initial tests in the Brine Inflow Room (Room Q) of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
The purpose of this report is to summarize for the record the objectives, planning, progress, and documentation of excavating Brine Inflow Room Q and implementing an initial set of Room Q tests. The Room Q tests were designed primarily to test the scale-up accuracy of the current brine inflow model by providing data on brine flow from the host rock salt to a large-scale excavation in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Data from these tests will also be used to reduce uncertainties in flow parameters and evaluate proposed mechanistic models. Room Q was excavated with a tunnel boring machine. The initial tests were implemented to measure brine flow parameters and room closure. Pore pressure, permeability, and brine inflow were measured with 15 tools emplaced in boreholes above, below, and on the north side of the room at a station 75 feet into the host rock from the entrance to the room. These measurements were made before, during, and after Room Q was bored to obtain data on the responses in the host rock to the boring process. Closure measurements were started almost immediately after excavation progressed past each measurement station. The designs, timing, sequence, procedures, and as-built records for these tests were documented in Sandia National Laboratories WIPP Quality Assurance files and Westinghouse WIPP Engineering records. 21 refs., 5 figs., 5 tabs.