GPR measurements in a blind shaft at the eastern part of the Asse salt structure

Abstract

The potash mine in the Asse salt structure, now used as repository for nuclear waste, is in some parts going to be refilled for stability reasons. As a part of that work an old blind shaft was prepared and offers the option for GPR (ground penetrating radar) measurements on vertical profiles in the eastern part of the mine. The salt structure has mainly been explored from the surface by seismic measurements and boreholes. Due to the accuracy of these investigations and the openings and drifts inside the mine, the geological composition of the salt structure is known. Further east the geological model is based on little information. GPR is an efficient and precise nondestructive tool in low-conductive salt to improve the structural knowledge. Vertical and radial profiles in the shaft have allowed gaining the complex geological structural information by mapping distance and direction of reflecting objects. With these results a three dimensional geological model of the salt structures can now be optimized. This project is commissioned by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS).