Underground Research Laboratories in Japan: What Are the Important Factors for Facilities Design?

This paper describes the current status of two Japanese off-site Underground Research Laboratories (URLs) Projects, one for crystalline rock and the other for sedimentary rock. This paper is focused on mechanical stability and ventilation, important factors relevant to the design and construction of deep underground facilities. High-pressure inflow, another important factor, will be included in the URL project for crystalline rock. The site of the URL project for crystalline rock is located in Mizunami, Gifu, in the central part of the main island of Japan. The regional geology consists of the Tertiary and Quaternary sedimentary rocks overlying Cretaceous granitic basement. Surface-based investigations, including geological mapping, a seismic refraction survey and shallow borehole investigations, and site preparation at the MIU (Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory) Project site have started in 2002. Numerical analysis is carried out to understand mechanical stability around the openings. The ventilation system design is based on numerical analysis using a ventilation network model. Grouting against the high-pressure inflow is planned. Conceptual design for the MIU at present is as follows: • Two 1,000 m shafts, a Main Shaft (6.5m φ) and a Ventilation shaft (4.5m φ); • Two experimental levels, the Main Stage at 1,000 m and the Middle Stage, at 500 m depths. The site of the URL project for sedimentary rock is located in Horonobe, Hokkaido, north of the main island of Japan. The geology consists of Tertiary sedimentary rocks. Surface-based investigation phase started in 2001. Numerical analysis is carried out to understand mechanical stability of the openings, and to design support. The numerical analysis using ventilation network model is carried out to design the ventilation system and disaster prevention method. Conceptual design for the Hnb-URL at present is as follows: • Two 500 m shafts and a Ventilation shaft; • Two experimental levels, the Main Stage at 500 m and the Middle Stage at 250 m depths.