Prediction of the hydro-mechanical response during shaft sinking for the proposed Nirex Rock Characterisation Facility near Sellafield, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Abstract

Abstract The coupled hydro-mechanical responses in the fractured volcaniclastic rocks of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, Sellafield, Cumbria, to a long-term pump test and the proposed shaft sinking phase of Nirex's Rock Characterisation Facility was studied by research teams under the auspices of the second phase of DECOVALEX project. This paper discusses the background and objectives of the study and provides a brief summary of the results and major scientific and logistical lessons learnt.