Geotechnical Research at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's Underground Research Laboratory

Abstract

A dedicated research facility, the Underground Research Laboratory (URL), is being constructed by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) in southeastern Manitoba, Canada. It is being constructed in a previously undisturbed portion of a granitic pluton that was well characterized prior to excavation. All planned testing areas are in saturated rock below the water table. The rock body containing the URL is representative of those being considered for nuclear fuel waste disposal in Canada. Therefore, the URL gives scientists and engineers an opportunity to conduct relevant research into many aspects of the waste disposal concept. It is also well suited for conducting development and demonstration tests of methods, equipment and instrumentation relevant to civil, mining and geotechnical engineering in a controlled technical environment. This paper briefly outlines the research activities taking place during development of the URL.