Establishment of advanced integration technology for site characterization of deep geological repository. Development of information synthesis and interpretation system. Annual report 2007

This project is planned as a five-year program aiming to develop an advanced integration technology for characterization of a site for radioactive waste geological disposal. It is carried out by the Geological Isolation Research and Development Directorate of Japan Atomic Energy Agency with the fund of Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. This report summarizes the outcome of the first year (FY 2007) activities of the project. The site characterization is a dynamic and complex process and needs close linkage with repository design and performance assessment (PA). A geosynthesis methodology has been developed for integrating site characterization information into design and PA, and applied for e.g. on-going JAEA's studies at two generic URLs at Mizunami and Horonobe. This methodology explicitly presents an information flow (often referred to as geosynthesis data flow diagram or data flow diagram, in short) from measurements by site investigation to generating data sets for design and PA. It is a useful tool for guiding the site characterization in a transparent and traceable manner. As site investigation proceeds and information being obtained on geological environments of the site increases, the site characterization plan is iteratively reviewed and modified reflecting the updated information. Such modification would also be needed when changes would occur on socio-political boundary conditions. In fact, the data flow diagrams for two generic URL projects have been revised several times so far due to the increase in the amount of information on geological environments and changes of societal conditions. An advanced technology aimed at in this project is therefore focused on developing flexible approach and tools, which is named as Information Synthesis and Interpretation System (ISIS), to support the stepwise 'optimization' of the site characterization plan. In FY 2007, a basic concept for ISIS has been developed with a key function to provide 'knowledge' to support a site characterization project manager for decisions on modification of the characterization plan. This knowledge includes fundamental principles on geological environments, technical know-how on applying investigation techniques, experience in the past cases, etc., largely part of which is tacit knowledge' accumulated in the experts. Analysis of results from past R and D activities in JAEA and elicitation of tacit knowledge, in particular from the experience at two URLs have been started to provide 'knowledge' in a structured way for site characterization to be incorporated in ISIS. ISIS is being developed by applying advanced information technology and knowledge engineering and will consist of a structured knowledge base, experts systems and case base as major elements. An extensive survey of available techniques has also been carried out with trial applications for some experts systems and to be incorporated in ISIS. The results of FY 2007 studies indicate that development of such intelligent system is feasible. A provisional plan for FY 2008 and beyond has also been discussed based on the results of FY 2007 studies. This report consist of three volume. (author)