Application of controlled blasting during the construction of the Canadian underground research laboratory

摘要

The Underground Research Laboratory (URL) constructed by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) played a major role in the development and validation of various technologies required for deep geologic disposal of high-level waste (HLW) from nuclear reactors used the generate electrical power. Located in a granite pluton at a depth of about 450 m, the rock at the URL is considered suitable for an underground repository should the concept of deep geologic disposal be accepted in Canada as a viable option for managing HLW. Most of the openings at the URL were excavated with the drill and blast method. The method is flexible and cost effective in hard, igneous rock and can ultimately be used to excavate a repository for HLW. To ensure that the seals and bulkheads within a repository perform effectively, it will be beneficial to use controlled blasting methods that minimize damage to the final walls. Therefore, controlled blasting principles were integrated into the blast designs to demonstrate that tunnels at the URL could be excavated with minimal damage.