Refining the Methods and Equipment Proposed for the Research During the Excavation of the Underground Research Laboratory

The article summarizes the key takeaways from the refinement of some individual research methods to be applied during the excavation of the underground research laboratory (URL). It discusses video logging, ultrasonic logging and interval injections in wells that were performed under the conditions of an analogous facility. These studies provided some “basic” initial data on the near-contour zone of the rock massif required for the long-term safety assessment of a radioactive waste (RW) disposal facility: areas of increased fissuring were identified, geometric parameters of cracks and their attitude were characterized quantitatively; excavation damage zones were identified, including the discharge and abutment pressure zones, as well as the natural state of stress in the rocks; waterconducting properties of rocks in various areas of the near-contour zone were characterized quantitatively. Based on the completed testing of the measurement methods, requirements for the R&D and its arrangement during the URL excavation process were refined and the required time costs were estimated.