Analysis of grounwater flow around a high-level waste repository in crystalline rock

The paper discusses the geohydrological data base, conceptual models for fractured rock flow and limitations of existing field and laboratory techniques. The results of analyses of the grounwater regime expected during the various phases of a repository at a crystalline rock site are presented. These include. - Initial conditions: regional and local flows and assessments of effects of topographic variations, faults and anisotropy. - Construction emplacement and thermal periods: the effects of stress are assessed and convective flow analyses coupled with regional flows are shown to identify effects on transport paths and magnitudes of advective heat transfer. - Long-term flow: flow modifications following repository construction and sealing are shown. Flow paths and potential leakage plumes and velocities are suggested. These analyses used a set of rock mechanics, heat transfer and flow finite-element models in which significant coupling is identified and included