MONTHLY Status REPORT · Department of Energy (DOE), dated June 3, 1992, a transition plan was recommended that would have the SEPDB officially transferred by September 30, 1992

SandiaNationalLaboratories

YUCCAMountain

Site

CharacterizationProject

MONTHLY Status REPORT

June 1992

May 1992

HighlightsSections At-A-Glance

12.1 Systems ......... 1..........1

12.3 Site Investigations ................... 13

12.4 Repository Investigations ........ 20

1.2.5 Regulatory and Institutional ..... 25

1.2.6 Exploratory ShaftInvestigations ........ ...... 27

1.2.9 Project Management .............. 28

APPENDIX A: Reference InformationBase ...... ........ 31

APPENDIX B: Technical Data BaseInput ...... ........ 31

WBS Elements Without Reportable

Sandia National Laboratories staff completes the1991 Total System Performance Assessment docu-ment by incorporating editorial revisions resulting fromProject Office review.

See 1.2.1.4.1 Total System PerformanceAssessment on page 5

Purdue Research Foundation personnel deliverdocument on uncertainty modeling to Sandia NationalLaboratories staff.

See 1.2.1.4.4.1 Pre-Waste-EmplacementGround-Water Travel Time on page 7

Sandia National Laboratories staff completes anddocuments calculations estimating surfcial watereffects on repository performance.

See 1.2.1.4.7 Supporting Calculations forPostclosure Performance Analyses on page 11

Sandia National Laboratories distributes four YuccaMountain Site Characterization Project documents:

* Prelinminary mapping of surficial geology of MidwayValley

* Summary and evaluation of existing geological andgeophysical data near prospective surface facilities

* Transportation cask decontamination and mainte-nance

* G-Tunnel pressurized slot-testing evaluations

See 1.2.9.1.1 Management on page 28

Sandia National Laboratories staff provides strongcomputer support to the Yucca Mountain Site Charac-terization Project Mission 2001 schedule and re-source planning activities, culminating in the success-ful electronic transfer of data to the Project Office.

See 1.2.9.2 Project Control on page 29

1.2.1.2.1

1.2.1.2.21.2.1.2.4

1.2.1.2.6

1.2.1.4.81.2.3.2.8.4.2

1.2.4.2.1.1.41.2.5.2.1

Activity This PeriodSystem Requirements andDescriptionSystem StudiesSystems EngineeringImplementationYucca Mountain SiteCharacterization Project (YMP)Support to the ManagementSystems Improvement Strategy(MSIS)Performance ConfirmationLocation and Recency of FaultingNear Prospective Surface FacilitiesIn Situ Design VerificationNRC and NWTRB InteractionSupportRegulatory Review1.2.5.2.3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WBS No.

12.1

Page

Systems ..... .1

WBS No. Page

12.3.2.8.4.6 Quaternary Faulting Within the Site Area(Gibson) ... .... 18

12.1.1 Management and Integration(Schelling) .................... 1

1.2.1.2.5 Configuration Management Plans andProcedures Control (Schelling) .............. 1

12.1.3.1 Site and Engineering Properties DataBase (Orzel) ... . . 2

1.2.1.3.2 Interactive Graphics Information System(Jones) . .3

12.1.3.3 Reference Information Base (Schelling). 31.2.1.3.4 Technical Data Base Management

Computer Support (Jones)..................... 412.1.3.5 Technical Data Base Input (Sandoval) 412.1.4.1 Total System Performance Assessment

(Dockery)............................................... 51.2.1.4.3.1 Postclosure Repository Design Analysis

(Ryder)................................................... 612.1.4.32 Preclosure Radiological Safety Analyses

(Schelling) ..... 61.2.1.4.3.4 Seal Performance Requirements and

Analyses (Fernandez) .712.1.4.4.1 Pre-Waste-Emplacement Ground-Water

Travel Time (Dockery) .712.1.4.6 Development and Validation of Flow and

Transport Models (Tidwell)..................... 812.1.4.7 Supporting Calculations for Postclosure

Performance Analyses (Fewell) . 111.2.1.4.9 Development and Verification of Flow

and Transport Codes (Dockery) . 12

1.2.3.6.2.1.6 Future Regional Climate/Environments(Behl)..................................................... 19

Repository Investigations . 201.2.4

12.4.1.1 Repository Management and Integration(Costin).................................................. 20

12.4.2.1.1.1 Excavation Investigations (Pott) ............. 201.2.4.2.1.1.2 In Situ Thermomechanical Properties

(Pott) .. 211.2.4.2.1.1.3 In Situ Mechanical Properties (Pott) ....... 211.2.42.1.2 Rock Mass Analysis (Jung) .................... 221.2.4.2.3.1 Certification of Design Methods ............. 231.2.4.2.3.2 Design Analysis (Ryder) ....................... 231.2.4.6.1 Seal Design and Design Requirements

(Fernandez) ................ 241.2.4.6.2 Seal Testing (Fernandez) ................ 24

12.5

1.2.5.11.2.5.2.21.2.5.2.51.2.5.2.6

1.2.6

Regulatory and Institutional ........... 25

Management and Integration (Sandoval) 25Site Characterization Program (Dennis) 25Study Plan Coordination (Price) ............. 26Semi-Annual Progress Reports(Cheek-Martin) ..................... 26

Exploratory ShaftInvestigations ..................... 27

1.2.3 Site Investigations ............. 13

12.3.1 Site Management and Integration(Rautman) ..... 13

1.2.3.2.2.2.1 Systematic Acquisition of Site-SpecificSubsurface Information (Rautman) ........ 14

12.3.2.222 Three-Dimensional Rock CharacteristicsModels (Rautman) ...................... 14

1.2.3.2.7.1.1 Laboratory Thermal Properties (Chocas) 151.2.3.2.7.12 Laboratory Thermal Expansion Testing

(Chocas) .... 161.2.3.2.7.1.3 Laboratory Determination of Mechanical

Properties of Intact Rock (Price) ............ 161.2.3.2.7.1.4 Laboratory Determination of the

Mechanical Properties of Fractures(Price) .. 17

12.3.2.8.3.3 Ground Motion from RegionalEarthquakes and Underground NuclearExplosions (Gibson) ............ 18

1.2.6.1.1 Exploratory Shaft Management,Planning, and TechnicalAssessment (Pott) ... ....... 27

1.2.9

1.2.9.1.11.2.9.1.41.2.9.1.5

1.2.9.21.2.9.3

Project Management ................... 28

Management (Sharpton) ........................ 28Record Management (Hotchkiss) ........... 28Yucca Mountain Site CharacterizationProject (YMP) Support for the TrainingMission (Cheek-Martin) ......................... 29Project Contol (Sharpton) ...................... 29Quality Assurance Program (Richards).. 30

APPENDIX A: Reference Information Base (Schelling) 31

APPENDIX B: Technical Data Base Input (Orzel) ......... 31

June 1992

1.2.1 SYSTEMS

The objective of the Systems element Is to provide the focal point forthe Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project(YMP) activities concerned with the integrated perspective of the entire radioactive waste disposal system. TheSystems element is comprised of four individual tasks: Systems Management and Integration (1.2.1.1), SystemsEngineering (1.2.1.2), Technical Data Base Management (1.2.1.3), and Total System Performance Assessment(1.2.1.4).

1.2.1.1 MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRATION 1.2.1.2.5 CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENTPLANS AND PROCEDURESCONTROLSignificant Meetings Attended

On June 3, representatives of the SNL performanceassessment group met with representatives of theManagement and Operations (M&O), R. Nelson and B.Andrews In Albuquerque, NM. The M&O representa-tives presented their recent work in defining tasks forperformance assessment. W. Chambers of SandiaNational Laboratories (SNL) staff presented the resultsof the recent SNL efforts to produce a performance-assessment roadmap. The meeting produced someagreement and some insights into the near-term futurecourse of performance assessment.

Status Report on Ongoing Activities

Affected document notices for three Yucca MountainSite Characterization Project (YMP) Change Directives(CR921093, 094, and 095) were submitted. TwelveOpen Interface Memoranda of Understanding thatInvolve SNL were evaluated and a request to close orcancel ten of them was made to the M&O on June 17,1992 because the work had been completed or was nolonger needed.

Work continues on development and implementationof an internal configuration management system.

I

1.2.1.3.1 SITE AND ENGINEERINGPROPERTIES DATA BASE

Significant Meetings Attended

SNL staff attended a meeting of the Technical DataBase (TDB) Administrators' Working Group on June30, 1992, in Las Vegas, NV.


June 1992

conductivity, transmissivity data and pumping condi-tions, well test hydraulic conductivity measurements,water chemical constituents, and relative hydraulicconductivity data. Once SNL receives verificationreports from EG&G that compare identically to thosegenerated by SNL, they will be added to the job file atSNL and the job file will be closed out. It is anticipatedthat a data cartridge containing the remaining tables(-50) will be sent to EG&G by July 15, 1992.

Now that the transition of the Site Engineering Proper-ties Data Base (SEPDB) to the GENESIS has begun,the emphasis on data entry of old submittals hasdiminished. Only new submittals that are consideredcritical will have data entry priority.

Major Activities Upcoming Next Three Months

The transition of the SEPDB to GENESIS has begun.In a letter from R. Sandoval, SNL, to C. Newbury, U.S.Department of Energy (DOE), dated June 3, 1992, atransition plan was recommended that would have theSEPDB officially transferred by September 30, 1992.The basis for prioritizing the data being transferred isfound in a letter from J. Beckett, Edgerton,Germeshausen, and Grier Corporation (EG&G), to R.Orzel, SNL, dated March 19, 1992. A data cartridgecontaining the primary priority tables as defined in thatletter was sent to EG&G on June 5 and was success-fully loaded into the.GENESIS data base. Thosetables contain porosity, pore saturation, natural-statepore-water content percentages, rock and mineralconstituents, grain density and hydraulic conductivitydata. On June 17, 1992, a second data cartridgecontaining the secondary priority tables was sent toEG&G. The second cartridge contained thermal

Data entry will be completed for any new submittalsthat are considered critical.

Technical Data Information Forms (TDIFs) will bedeveloped for all old data submittals that existed priorto the conception of the Automated Technical DataTracking (ATDT) system.

The transition of the SEPDB to the GENESIS database will be completed on schedule.

Sandia National Laboratories 2

June 1992

REFERENCE INFORMATION BASE1.2.1.3.2 INTERACTIVE GRAPHICSINFORMATION SYSTEM

1.2.1.3.3


One individual received training on ARC/INFO, agraphics software package. Further development ofARC/INFO can now proceed as required to establishthe user interface for both workstation and personalcomputer (PC) users.

The following CALMA thermal/mechanical model jobhas been completed:

Job 392 for M. Fewell - Locate Neutron Bore-holes


Major Accomplishments

Three Reference Information Base (RIB) changessubmitted April 17, 1992 were approved for release bythe YMP Change Control Board. Copies were trans-mitted to the M&O for distribution as a controlleddocument.


Interactions with the M&O have been initiated for atransition of responsibility for the RIB to the M&O inFY93. The RIB Topic Index is being revised to correcteditorial errors and further simplify maintenance.

System setups and user interface for ARC/INFOsoftware will be developed and training will be ob-tained for additional personnel. A technique to createthree-dimensional solids model of thermal/mechanicalstratigraphy using visualization software will bedeveloped.

Staff will continue working with Project GraphicsInformation System (GIS) to obtain additional datasuch as contours at a higher resolution and filescontaining graphics to display symbols similar to themaps produced at the GIS.

The following CALMA jobs are in progress:

* Job 385 for W. Chambers - FEM of YuccaMountain

* Job 386 for H. Dockery - Drill Holes/Section* Job 391 for M. Esp - Section Through Ramps/

Drifts* Job 393 for T. Robey - Profile Through USW

N54-N55

Staff will continue to develop video graphics andanimation techniques.


June 1992

1.2.1.3.4 TECHNICAL DATA BASEMANAGEMENT COMPUTERSUPPORT

1.2.1.3.5 TECHNICAL DATA BASE INPUT



Staff continued to load Personal Computer NetworkFile Server (PCNFS) software on personal computers(PCs), to install communications boards, and to set upnetwork files to get all PCs operational on the localarea network (LAN).

A typeset quality printer and a network grade printerhave been installed on the LAN and are operational.

A Technical Data Workshop organized by the YMP isscheduled to be held at SNL on August 4. 1992 toInform SNL staff of the operations of the ProjectTechnical Data Management System.

E-mail connections are now possible for those con-nected to the LAN. Addressing schemes and mailsystem management will be developed.

Major Activities Upgcoming Next Three Months

Staff will continue to set up new and existing worksta-tions and PCs. Staff will also begin setting up ma-chines for automatic backups on the Excabyte/Legatosystem.

Sandia National Laboratories

June 1992

1.2.1.4.1 TOTAL SYSTEM PERFORMANCEASSESSMENT


The TSPA-91 document (SAND91-2795) was com-pleted and sent to the printer. The final document issubstantially the same as preliminary versions re-leased in April 1992 prior to the Nuclear Waste Tech-nology Review Board (NWTRB) presentations; how-ever, a number of editorial revisions resulting fromYMP review have been incorporated into the finalversion. The expected date for distribution of thedocument is the third week of July 1992.

the source-term/near-field component of the EPRITotal-System model. Representatives from EPRI,Intera, DOE, Risk Engineering Inc. (RE1), DisposalSafety Inc. (DSI), TRW and SNL were present. Thelist of items recommended for inclusion into EPRl'smodel in the near term included modeling the distribu-tion of container failures (by various processes),thermal effects (such as thermally accelerated geo-chemical processes), and hydrologic effects (such asnear-field flow process). Although the meeting wasmainly concerned with discussions of waste-packageand near-field issues, some far-field flow and transportIssues were discussed as well.

Status Report on Ongoing ActivitiesSignificant Meetings Attended

SNL staff attended the American Nuclear Societyannual meeting in Boston, MA on June 10, 1992 topresent three papers, including "A Six-Step Method forSystematic Performance Assessmernt"(R. Banard),"Approach to Geologic Repository Postclosure SystemPerformance Assessment" (F. Bingham), and "Total-System Performance Assessment for the YuccaMountain Project" (M. Wilson). A summary of the latterpresentation was published In Transactions of theAmerican Nuclear Society Vol. 65, pp. 53-54.

On June 25 1992 SNL hosted a meeting requested bythe Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) toprovide input on the development of enhancements to


Sandia letter report (SLTR) 90-2002 on construction ofthe event tree for tectonics has now entered internaltechnical review. In addition, the Basaltic IgneousActivity Scenario report (SAND91-1653) was alsosubmitted for SNL technical review. Work has re-sumed on the SAND document on the construction ofscenarios for nominal flow.

The cross-sectional model for the saturated flow modelhas been completed. Results from the first analysesshowed several inconsistencies that were resolved.Analyses are proceeding and the results will bepresented at the Hydrology Integration Working Groupmeeting scheduled for late July in Albuquerque, NM.

5

1.2.1.4.3.1 POSTCLOSURE REPOSITORYDESIGN ANAL YSIS

Status Report on Ongoinog Activities

June 1992

1.2.1.4.3.2 PRECLOSURE RADIOLOGICALSAFETY ANAL YSES


SAND91-1493, "Equivalent Energy Density Concept:A Preliminary Reexamination of a Technique forEquating Thermal Loads," by E. Ryder, is beingprepared for printing. SAND91-1493 documents theresults of a study that addresses the thermal designproblem of bounding induced thermomechanicalresponse over expected ranges of waste streamcharacteristics (age and bumup).

A presentation on the methodology developed todetermine natural barrier characteristics important towaste isolation and the application of the methodologyto unconsolidated surficial deposits was made to DOEand M&O personnel in Las Vegas, NV on June 10.1992 by SNL staff.


A report on the assessment of unconsolidated surficialdeposits as an item potentially important to wasteIsolation is being prepared and should be completed inJuly 1992. The evaluation of the impacts of Explor-atory Studies Facility (ESF) design changes on theevaluation of repository items important to safety isbeing performed.


1.2.1.4.3.4 SEAL PERFORMANCEREQUIREMENTS AND ANALYSES


The final version of the conference paper, SAND92-1317C, "Seismic Considerations in Sealing a PotentialHigh-Level Radioactive Waste Repository," by J.Fernandez, A. Richardson, and M. Lin, was completedand sent to the American Society of Civil Engineers(ASCE) for publication. Prior to this submittal, addi-tional activities associated with completion of thispaper included response to technical peer review andmanagement reviews and completion of additionalanalyses that supported the paper. These analysesincluded the evaluation of a soft seal in rock. Specifi-cally, the principal stress, velocity, and displacementvectors, and the maximum compressive stress con-tours for the soft seal dynamic analysis of both the 1-and 10-Hz cases were postprocessed to understand.the mechanism causing dynamic amplification. Theresults from the stiff seal, 10-Hz case were alsopostprocessed to compare with the soft seal results.Finally, it was observed from the strain gradient alongthe deformational field for the soft seal, 10-Hz casethat stress amplification did occur In the soft seal.

June 1992

1.2.1.4.4.1 PRE-WASTE-EMPLACEMENTGROUND-WATER TRAVEL TIME


A copy of a Ph.D. dissertation entitled "UncertaintyModeling of Many Correlated and Skewed RandomVariables" by G. Panchalingam was received. Thisdocument is the major deliverable under the SNLcontract with Purdue Research Foundation (PRF).


SNL staff attended the joint meeting of the Geochem-istry and Hydrology Integration Teams in Denver, COon June 9 and 10, 1992.

A presentation entitled "Uncertainty and SensitivityResults for Pre-Waste-Emplacement Ground-WaterTravel Time" was given at June's TPO meeting.


Preliminary numerical simulations have been con-ducted under the boundary-condition study ongoing atLawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) to test gridproblems. Only minor potential distortions were noted.

Preparation and coordination activities associated witha short course entitled "Reliability Based Design inCivil Engineering" were begun. The course will beconducted by Dr. M. Harr of Purdue and P. Kaplan ofSNL. Course description and registration materialswere distributed to potentially Interested parties,including YMP participants, the NWTRB, the NRC, andthe state of Nevada.

The geometry was set up for two cross-sections, oneperpendicular and one parallel to the wash where drillholes N54 and N55 are located. The data receivedfrom the INTRAVAL study will be incorporated into thecross sections for analyses that will be run in the nextfew months. An adaptive mesh generator was writtento accept output from a geostatistical program. It wasalso designed to generate a grid for flow codes whichallows each individual block to be as homogeneous aspossible. Future work will be done to formulate theinterfaces for all the programs.


1.2.1.4.6 DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATIONOF FLOW AND TRANSPORTMODELS

All activities addressed in this monthly status reportsupport SCP Section 8.3.5.12.2.1.1. Activities sup-porting SCP Section 8.3.5.12.2.2.2 are not scheduledfor FY92 and hence are not addressed.


Flow and transport in single fractures

SNL is continuing to reduce and analyze data from oursystematic study of full-field instability in initially dryfractures. In this study, we used a large 30- x 60-cmfracture simulated by two roughened glass platesforced into close contact through application of aconfining pressure to each side (20 psi). The effectsof gravity on wetting front structure were investigatedby inclining the fracture at four angles between verticaland horizontal, corresponding to gravitational gradi-ents of 1.00, 0.75, 0.50, and 0.25. Experiments wereinitiated by sudden injection of a fixed quantity of waterat the upper boundary of the fracture. The injectionrate was designed to be greater than the characteristicimbibition rate of the fracture; the excess fluid wasallowed to pond along the fracture prior to imbibition.This boundary condition simulates the effects of asudden rain storm in an arid region. The volume offluid applied to the fracture was varied between 6 and23 ml, a range found to be appropriate for this particu-lar set of experimental conditions. On the cessation ofimbibition, the initially stable wetting front was ob-served to become unstable resulting in the develop-ment of fingers. Movement of the wetting front withinthe fracture was recorded at predetermined intervalsusing a digital camera. Subsequent analysis of thedigital images provides a means of calculating thewidth, velocity, and dynamic behavior of individualfingers in the unstable front. This data has beencollected and collated and is currently ready foranalysis. M. Nicholl (Ph.D. Co-op student from theUniversity of Nevada, Reno) will be returning to ourgroup in July 1992 to conduct this analysis.

SNL has begun a series of preliminary scoping experi-ments to investigate the effects of initial moisturecontent on the behavior of gravity-driven fingers. Theinitial moisture field is created by saturating the analogfracture and then rotating it from horizontal to theappropriate inclination for use in the experiment. By


June 1992

allowing free drainage to steady state and thenperforming a capillary evacuation of excess fluid alongthe lower boundary, a uniform moisture field at ap-proximately field capacity of the fracture is created.Because analysis is performed using optical methods,it is necessary to develop a means of discerning theadvancing finger from the initial moisture field. Currentexperimentation is investigating the use of differentdye formulations as a means of defining the domain ofthe advancing finger. Work is also underway to refineour techniques to provide an improved characteriza-tion of the initial moisture field. From preliminaryexperiments, we have determined that a detailedwetted structure analysis would be enhanced throughdevelopment of a more stable light source. Prospectsfor doing so were explored and it was concluded thatthe current light box would be modified through use ofan outboard voltage regulator controlled from aphotoelectric sensor mounted within the existing lightbox. These modifications are expected to be com-pleted during July 1992.

Plans were made to extend the current experimentalwork with analog fractures to include casts of naturalfractures. To facilitate experimentation, large, rough-walled (but nearly planar) fractures are desirable. Asuitable field site, containing relatively large planarfractures in welded to partially welded tuff was locatednearby in the Jemez mountains. Acquisition of suit-able samples will be performed In July 1992. Plansare also being formulated to extend prototype valida-tion experiments of the Reynolds equation in saturatedanalog fractures with near-zero contact area to includegeometrically complicated air-entrapped regions asfound in many of our unsaturated fracture flow experi-ments.

Fracture matrix interaction

I

We have initiated systematic studies of fracture/matrixinteraction in the plane normal to the fracture. Ascoping study was designed and performed this monthto evaluate the feasibility of using an angiographic x-ray system to image transient moisture content fieldsin fractured-porous media. The advantage of usingthis equipment, which is owned by the UNM MedicalCenter, is its real-time imaging capabilities. To makeuse of this equipment, efforts have been made todevelop an algorithm for translating the digitizedimages collected by the angiographic x-ray equipmentto a format compatible with our own Imaging software.Efforts are also being made to identify x-ray tech-niques that will allow the imaging of both flow andsolute transport fields simultaneously.

To develop physically based models for interblockconnectivity and the onset of fracture flow, SNL hascontinued the effort to define the wetted area structurein horizontal fractures within a porous matrix as afunction of pressure. Most analyses and experimentsconducted by others to date have assumed a uniformwetted structure in the fracture plane. The initial proofof concept experiment in this area, conducted inAugust 1991, showed this to be far from the case(presented by R. Glass and D. Norton at the Interna-tional High-Level Radioactive Waste ManagementConference, Las Vegas, NV In April 1992). DOE/OCRWM fellow D. Bums (University of Texas atAustin), who joined our group this past month, will becontinuing this research as part of his fellowshippracticum this summer and will be extending the workinto his M.S. thesis this fall. The wetted structureexperiment is designed to study how water spansfractures as a function of pressure. A planar fracturematrix system is simulated with a roughened glassplate that is forced against a flat porous plate. Thewetted structure is recorded with a digital camerathrough the glass plate as the suction is raised andlowered in the porous plate. This past month SNL ranseveral scoping experiments to assess the presentstate of the experimental system (which had not beenused since last August 1991), to incorporate the high-resolution imaging system (2048 x 2048 pixels) Intothe experiment, and to analyze several methods fordifferentiating between wet and dry regions in thedigital images. During the experiment, the human eyecan distinguish wet and dry regions easily. Theexperimental data, however, is captured in digital formand, on a pixel scale, the transition between wet anddry is less pronounced.

Gravity-driven fingering in porous media

June 1992

Field. lab. and numerical experimentation to determinescaling laws for effective-media properties in heteroge-neous media

Automation of the gas permeameter test system wasinitiated. A computer-driven positioning system hasbeen designed. Current efforts are focused on evalu-ating various commercially available componentswhich can be utilized in the fabrication of the unit.Various software packages are also being evaluatedwhich will facilitate the integration of the positioningsystem and the data acquisition system.

In support of the research in effective-media propertiesfor heterogeneous media and the LANL Caissonexperiment where small-scale (.001 to 1 m) heteroge-neity is expected, three slab (30 x 60 x .63 cm) experi-ments were conducted using our full-field moisturecontent technique (light transmission). The slabs werepacked with Wedron 510 sand (to be used in thecaisson) using standard methods for generatinghomogeneous slabs. A series of automated filling anddrainage cycles were conducted followed by a se-quence of constant flux infiltration events (increasingflux with each subsequent event). During the infiltrationevents, dye pulses were followed in the steady-stateflow field for use in development of SNL's full-fieldconcentration-sensing ability. Data from these experi-ments will be analyzed in the next month to obtainhysteretic saturation pressure relations and the relativepermeability for the Wedron 510 sand. The transientsystem response will also be numerically simulatedand evaluated as a prototype validation experiment.Additional support to the LANL Caisson experimentincluded design of the bottom suction boundarycondition. Suction will be applied through a series ofdistributed porous high-flow cups mounted on plates atthe bottom of the caisson. A prototype cup suctiondevice was designed, fabricated, and tested.

An exhaustive literature review was also initiated thismonth to help identity theoretical and experimentalwork conducted relative to the modeling of propertyscaling.

Development of laboratory capabilities to support all

After a halt of nearly two years, experiments wereresumed to finish the study of Miller scaling of gravity-driven finger properties in unsaturated porous media.This work is being completed after discussions thisSpring with B. Nelson of the M&O and is supported bya DOE summer undergraduate fellow from NM Tech,Socorro, NM. The completion of this research will aidin delineating the bounds of occurrence of gravity-driven fingering in unsaturated porous media and isrequired to determine whether the flow mechanism isexpected to occur in the nonwelded, nonzeolitizedunits at Yucca Mountain, NV. Efforts this summer willbe aimed at measuring the properties of the sevenscale similar media used in experiments conductedtwo years ago and determining what further experi-ments and analysis are required to lay this issue torest.


Efforts have continued relative to the selection of asmall Industrial x-ray unit for dedicated use In the flowand transport laboratory. The schedule was set backby a month due to uncertainties related to health andsafety considerations that must be addressed prior tothe installation of such equipment in the laboratory.

9

The general-purpose Image acquisition/data acquisi-tion/flow control program was expanded to includeperistaltic pump speed control within an experimentalsequence. This provides the capability of momentarilyflushing the flow manifold and changing flow rates indifferent sequences. Also, program flexibility wasimproved to permit scale acquisition without imageacquisition, simplified format versions of data outputadded, and the provision to control a midsequencedraining of a reservoir when its scale indicates maxi-mum weight has been reached. Future improvementsto this program will include the ability to monitor ascale for a steady-state flow condition and the additionof printing the sequence name and elapsed time onthe image.

June 1992

have been monitored by periodic measurements onbatch systems over a span of 34 days. The readingsat low pH (less than -4) stabilized after less than threedays; the difference between the initial pH and that atthree days provides a means of assessing the totalbuffering capacity of the raw sand. The readings athigh pH decreased slowly with time, and may beexplained by uptake of CO2 either diffusing throughthe plastic or perhaps introduced each time thecontainers were opened for measurement.

An aliquot of Wedron 510 sand was treated with 6 NHCI and then the acid was analyzed by flame AAS forpossible soluble components. Substantial Fe wasdetected, along with minor amounts of Ca, Mg, and Si.

An effort is underway to develop an inexpensivepressure sensor/tensiometer to monitor pressure (orsuction) in chambers and columns with PC-based dataacquisition systems. A Motorola pressure sensor isconnected to an interface control (IC) instrumentationamplifier, the output of which can be monitored by oneof two different makes of A/D data acquisition boards.The pressure transducers have been characterizedusing a water column over a range of ±1 m. Hyster-esis and linearity have been found to be small andafter fitting the data to a calibration curve, the standarddeviation of the deviations from that curve are found tobe <1% of the range.

SNL is also developing a dye concentration sensorutilizing photodiode excitation fiber optically connectedto a photospectrometer source. The components ofthis system have been purchased and fabrication andtesting of prototypes is to be undertaken In July 1992.These sensors are also to be monitored by the sameacquisition system as the pressure sensors. Aninterface box will be fabricated to house multiplexorsand termination boards, and, if required, the instru-mentation amplifiers and an external power supply.This box will be fitted with input and output connectorsto the various sensors and acquisition boards.

Scoping sorption studies

No activity to report this period.

Reactive transport model development

Data has been collected for the titration of a referencesilica (untreated Min-U-SIl) in batch experiments underC02-free conditions. The batch systems contained aMin-U-Sil surface area similar to that of the Wedron510 sand systems. Preliminary indications show muchless buffering capacity than the sand, but still a smallincrease in pH when only Min-U-Sil is added to water.

More detailed surface potentiometric measurementswill be made on raw and treated samples of sand andlimonite when the autotitrator has been brought online. During the last month, a new Orion 720A meterwas installed and its remote control abilities verified. Anew version of the operating software that supportsthe 720A will be ready shortly.

Caisson test

Collaboration with Los Alamos National LaboratoriesYMP staff (E. Springer) in an intermediate-scale(caisson) flow and transport validation experimentcontinued. Design of bench-scale column experimentsto estimate the pH in the caisson under unsaturated-flow conditions continued during June 1992. A mois-ture characteristic (saturation vs. suction) curve wasmeasured on the Wedron 510 sand. Tensiometerreadings for a 4-cm-thick plug of sand were correlatedwith the degree of water saturation. The relationshipbetween saturation and tensiometer readings was thenused to give an indication of the saturation state of thecolumn for several different steady-state flow condi-tions. It is hoped that the saturation measurementscan then be correlated to the effluent pH.

Sorption studies of 1, Li, Ni, and B by the candidatematerials for the caisson continued during this month.Kd values for iodide uptake by limonite under C02 freeconditions ranged from 10 m/g to 0.4 m/g for a pHrange of 2 to 12. Under moderate pH, the Kd values

A series of experiments are being carried out todetermine the effect that trace surface coatings andadmixed grains have on the surface properties ofnatural materials. Changes In the composition of a0.01M NaCI solution in contact with Wedron 510 sandunder C0 2-free conditions over a range of initial pH


were about 1.5 ml/g. Kd values for iodide uptake bythe Wedron 510 sand ranged from 0.3 to 0.01 mugover the same pH range; however, no correlationbetween Kd and pH was observed. At moderate pH,the Kd was approximately 0.02 to 0.2 mUg. Prelimi-nary results for Li and B will be reported next month.

Other activities

Work continued on the development of budgets, workscopes, and networks for FY93 through FY01.

Dr. M. Taniguchi from Fara University in Japan visitedR. Glass (SNL) on June 22 and 23, 1992 to discussgravity-driven fingering as relevant to high-levelnuclear waste disposal. Dr. Taniguchi is on sabbaticalleave this year and has spent the past six months atthe University of Arizona working with Dr. S. Newman.He and Dr. Newman are in the process of preparing areview paper on gravity-driven fingering in porousmedia and fractures.


1.2.1.4.7

June 1992

SUPPORTING CALCULATIONSFOR POSTCLOSUREPERFORMANCE ANAL YSES


The calculations to estimate the effects on repositoryperformance of surficial water use in the controlledzone but outside the repository, Exploratory StudiesFacility (ESF) Performance Assessment (PA) AnalysisNo. 12 and the Problem Definition Memo (PDM)describing these calculations, PDM 72-32, werecompleted. The analysis is now undergoing technicalreview. The results of the analyses were presented atthe ESF status meeting and at the Technical Integra-tion Group (TIG). Exploratory Studies Facility DesignRequirements (ESF DR) Appendix I will be revised toinclude the results of ESF PA Analysis No. 12.

Preliminary efforts for a model validation exercise incollaboration with WBS 1.2.1.4.6 have been initiated.Preliminary calculations are being performed and aPDM describing calculations to be made in conjunctionwith the caisson sand experiments is being written.

Reviews of controls on the Phase II Neutron Boreholesand on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Activitiesin the Quatemary Fault site area were completed.


To expedite effective media property-scaling studies,an automated data acquisition system for measuringgas permeabilities on meter-scale slabs of rock will bedesigned and built. Testing of the electronic gaspermeameter will also be conducted. Studies will alsocontinue relative to the design of a dual-ring air-injection permeameter/rock seal in an effort to betterdefine the geometry of the flow field that developsduring rock slab testing.

Purchase and installation of an industrial x-ray unitdedicated to the flow and transport laboratory will bepursued.

The documents describing the performance assess-ment plan for the ESF Title II design support will becompleted. The plan described In the document willbe developed and implemented.

Detailed studies of sorption of B 1, and Ni by mixturesof sand and geothite and by materials (samplers andplastic laboratory ware) to be used in caisson or insupporting laboratory studies will continue. Designcalculations for caisson experiment will continue. Thecaisson will be filled and instrumented.

Surface potentiometric titration of sand, geothite, andzeolite will continue.

Two papers will be completed for the special issue ofRadioactive Waste Management and Nuclear FuelCycle on the YMP.


June 1992

1.2.1.4.9 DEVELOPMENT ANDVERIFICATION OF FLOW ANDTRANSPORT CODES

Software QA (no SCP activity)


Code development (Subaativity 1.6..1.2)

A large (-20,000 unknowns) three-dimensionalproblem of flow through an unsaturated, heteroge-neous domain was defined to test the applicability ofJACQ3D and COYOTE-II to this class of problem.The performance results for JACQ3D indicate a fairlyefficient algorithm for large problems. However,experience indicated that the solver loses efficiency oreven fails to converge when the conductivity variesover more than 5 to 6 orders of magnitude; thiscondition can occur when applying infiltration into aninitially very dry medium. The solver in COYOTE-II isvery efficient and capable of handling drier problemsthan JACQ3D, but the matrix assembly requiressubstantial central processing unit (CPU) time. Theseresults were documented in a memorandum anddistributed.

A Picard solver was added to the DUAL code. Thisdirect solver provides an initial guess for the Newtonsolver. For the test case run, it appears to eliminatethe large number of iterations in the Newton solver andresults in much faster execution times.


All codes were transferred to the software configura-tion management Sun workstation. Approximately 25percent of the codes have been put under source codecontrol system (SCCS) control.

Some problems running the BLOT code under the newversion of the Sun operating system (4.1.2) havesurfaced and are being looked into for a solution. Thedesign information needed for the BLOT evaluationreport is being developed. The software documenta-tion for BLOT and LEHGC and in preparation.

The NORIA-SP installation report should be done byJuly 2, 1992 and a checkout report will follow shortlythereafter.

A number of additional tasks were completed, includ-ing preparation of responses to internal audit filing/observations, preparation of revisions to QAIP 3-2(Rev. 2), drafting several sample QA memoranda,updating the master log to include additional trackingfields, and beginning the evaluation review of theclimatology codes.

Staff are serving on a YMP Analysis Review Team. Inaccordance with requirements set forth in DOP 2-4,the PDM and resulting analysis are being reviewed.

12

June1992

1.2.3 SITE INVESTIGATIONS

The objective of the Site Investigation element is to determine repository site suitability in terms of DOE sitingguidelines (10 CFR 960), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) criteria (10 CFR 60), and Environmental Protec-tion Agency (EPA) standards (40 CFR 191).

1.2.3.1 SITE MANAGEMENTANDINTEGRATION

the preliminary, non-quality-affecting geologic logcreated at the rig site by Sample Management Facility(SMF) personnel. SMF personnel will consult with theLANL representative and propose an expanded logformat for use on drill hole UZ-1 6 at the next SOCmeeting, July 7,1992.


Sample Overview Committee

The Sample Overview Committee (SOC) met on June3, 1992 in Area 25 to consider various specimenremoval requests. One request from an outside party(a university professor) was deterred until July be-cause the request was received too late to meetprocedural requirements. A request from the USGSfor transfer of core samples from several neutron holeswas disapproved. The samples in question hadalready been assigned to another principal investigator(PI) for essentially identical tests.

The discussion begun at the May SOC meetingregarding "permanent" archiving of some fraction ofcore to provide samples for retesting at the request ofintervenors during licensing was renewed. C. Rautman(SNL SOC representative) presented geostatisticaldata suggesting that the various tuff units at YuccaMountain are sufficiently different in their spatialcorrelation character that achieving "representative-ness" of archived samples would be difficult and wouldrequire the preservation of a variable fraction ofmaterial depending upon the geologic unit. Capturingand archiving certain thin, yet potentially significant"deterministic" features of the stratigraphic sectionmight make it impossible to perform site characteriza-tion testing of these same features. SOC representa-tives reported on the results of polling Pls in theirorganizations regarding such archives; the opinionswere uniformly negative. The consensus among thetechnical community is that it is a better use of Projectresources to do a thorough and credible scientific jobnow, than potentially to cripple the scientific effort In anattempt to anticipate undetermined issues that mightarise 10 to 20 years in the future. The acting SOCchairman was to report the SOC stance to Projectmanagement.

The acting Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)SOC representative proposed expanding the scope of


Selection of Preferred initial ESF Access (SPIA) Task

The SPIA Task Force report was completed andentered Project review. SNL staff involvement in thetask force is essentially complete, pending reviewcomments on the report.

13

1.2.3.2.2.1 SYSTEMATIC ACQUISITION OFSITE-SPECFIC SUBSURFACEINFORMATON

1.2.3.2.2.2.1June 1992

THREE-DIMENSIONAL ROCKCHARACTERISTICS MODELS

Significant Meetings AttendedStatus Report on Ongoing Activities

Staff have been invited to contribute a section onhydrologic rock properties to a LANL report in prepara-tion. The report will compare several potential sites fora "surface-based test facility" or prototype ExploratoryStudies Facility." LANL has prepared informationregarding the general geology, mineralogy/petrology,and geochemristry of several sites in "bedded" andother nonwelded tuffs. Information on hydrologicproperties obtained as part of the outcrop samplingstudies conducted by this WBS element may be ofsignificance to the evaluation of the various sites.Appropriate data are being compiled and text will beprepared. (SCP 8.3.1.4.3.1.1)

A small rock-properties laboratory has been estab-lished at SNL to support the outcrop scoping studies,the Systematic Drilling Program, and activities In theunsaturated flow and transport laboratory operatedunder the Development and Validation of Flow andTransport Models activity (SCP 8.3.1.4.3.1.1 and WBSElement 1.2.1.4.6)


Staff participated in the Hydrology/GeochemistryIntegration Teams joint workshop in Denver, CO, onJune 9 and 10, 1992. C. Rautman presented aninformal talk entitled Geostatistical Methods to Locate(and Evaluate) Fast Paths." The talk focused onpotential uses of descriptive geostatistical techniquesto better understand the geology of Yucca Mountain asit relates to the identification of potential fast flow andtransport pathways to the accessible environment.Modeling uses of geostatistics were also described asa means of approximately quantifying how significant(i.e., large) a potential fast path might need to bebefore it affected performance. (SCP 8.3.1.4.3.2.1)


Evaluation of data from the surface transects willcontinue intermittently to obtain samples needed toresolve questions or to confirm existing findings asappropriate. The air permeameter will be tested uponcompletion of repairs and used to collect permeabiltydata from several promising locations as feasible.Emphasis will be placed on attempting to obtain fieldmeasurements from rock types that could not be coredfor laboratory analysis because of their excessivelyfriable nature. (SCP 8.3.1.4.3.1.1)

Staff have been told informally that the issue of a studyplan for this modeling (analysis) activity (and for asimilar modeling activity conducted by the USGS[8.3.1.4.2.3.1, Three-Dimensional Geologic Model)has been resolved. Apparently a study plan will not berequired and no provision has been made for writing astudy plan in the current draft Planning and ControlSystem (PACS) planning exercise. No formal, writtendocumentation of this reported Project decision hasbeen received as yet. (SCP 8.3.1.4.3.2.1)

Tapes containing the remaining geophysical well logdata from the USGS have been received at SNL foruse in the Lynx Geotechnical Modeling System (GMS).Other commitments have prevented significant Lynx-type modeling during the month. Separately, a newdigitizer compatible with the Lynx GMS has beenreceived and installed. Incompatibility of the oldCALMA digitizer with the Lynx software system hasstymied some data entry activities for several months.(SCP 8.3.1.4.3.2.1)

Staff has begun to work on adapting geostatisticalsimulation subroutines into work being performedunder the Ground-Water Travel Time Activity for anINTRAVAL exercise. (SCP 8.3.1.4.3.2.1 and WBSElement 1.2.1.4.1)


Modeling activities using the Lynx GMS will continue.Staff and USGS personnel will meet in mid-July to


define some of the parameters that will constitute thebasic underpinnings of a jointly developed geologicmodel for the site. Agreement on conventions forcreating and naming three-dimensional model compo-nents is essential if the two participants are to continueworking on a joint geologic/rock characteristics modelof the site. (SCP 8.3.1.4.3.2.1 and 8.3.1.4.2.3.1)

Completion of the geostatistical description of materialproperties obtained for the two-dimensional surfacetransect of the shardy base microstratigraphic unit ofthe Tiva Canyon Member (see WBS 1.2.3.2.2.2.1) willallow two-dimensional modeling and simulation of thisimportant hydrologic unit. Efforts will be made tomerge geologic modeling with flow modeling toproduce a better understanding of hydrologic behaviorat Yucca Mountain. (SCP 8.3.1.4.3.2.1)

June 1992

1.2.3.2.7.1.1 LABORATORY THERMALPROPERTIES


SAND92-0119, "An Experimental Comparison ofLaboratory Techniques in Determining Bulk Propertiesof Tuffaceous Rocks," is undergoing technical review.(SCP 8.3.1.15.1.1.1)

The Thermal Conductivity Analyzer (TCA) has beensuccessfully calibrated and verified per TechnicalProcedure (TP)-202, Rev. 00. The successful calibra-tion of the instrument using reference materials ofknown values satisfies the requirement for verificationof the data acquisition software.

Tests were run to verify that previous calibrationfailures at lower temperatures were due to variances insample-plate interfaces caused by inadequate applica-tion of a heat sink compound. These tests confirmedthat the TCA is well within the ±2% repeatability limitclaimed for the instrument when heat sink compoundis adequately applied. The TCA will be used forthermal conductivity measurements made at or above110C. (SCP 8.3.1.15.1.1.3)

The C-Matic LT instrument is undergoing an overhaulbecause of erratic output from the heat flux transduc-ers. Other components will be replaced or reworkedas necessary. The LT instruments will be used formeasuring thermal conductivity at temperatures from20 to 100-C. (SCP 8.3.1.15.1.1.3)

Changes to TP-201, "Calibration of Mechanical andElectrical Measuring Equipment Used for ThermalProperties Testing" (Interim Change Notices [ICNs] 02and 03). and TP-207, "Calibration of TemperatureSensors Used for Thermal Properties Testing" (ICNs01 and 02), are in the process of being issued. (SCP8.3.1.15.1.1.3)


The scoping study on the effects of saturation onthermal conductivity will begin after the LT instrumentis overhauled and recalibrated. (SCP 8.3.1.15.1.1.3)


1.2.32.21.2 LABORATORY THERMALEXPANSION TESTING

1.2.3.2.7.1.3

June 1992

LABORATORY DETERMINATIONOF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OFINTACT ROCK


SAND88-1581, "Unear-Thermal-Expansion Data forTuffs from the Unsaturated Zone at Yucca Mountain,Nevada," has been submitted to the Project Office forreview. (SCP 8.3.1.15.1.2.1)

The power supplies and controllers to control thetemperature of the linear variable differential trans-former (LVDT) chamber and environmental tube arebeing incorporated Into the dilatometer instrumenta-tion. (SCP 8.3.1.15.1.2.1)



SAND91-1926C, entitled "Modulus Dispersion andAttenuation in Tuff and Granite," by R. Haupt,R. Martin, X. Tang, W. Dupree (New England Re-search, Inc. (NERD, and R. Price (SNL), was pre-sented at the 33rd U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechan-ics in Santa FE, NM, on June 9, 1992. (SCP8.3.1.15.1.3.2)


Once the accuracy and reproducibility of test data isestablished, and the relevant procedures approved, ascoping study on the effects of sample size on thermnalexpansion will be initiated. (SCP 8.3.1.15.1.2.1)

Other items to Report

A presentation was made to the Rock MechanicsReview Panel on June 11, 1992 by C. Chocas (SNL).Issues regarding the scoping studies specified in theStudy Plans for Laboratory Thermal Properties (SCP8.3.1.15.1.1) and Laboratory Thermal ExpansionTesting (SCP 8.3.1.14.1.2) were discussed.

NER is conducting a study involving high-temperatureexperiments at creep and low strain rate conditions.The results from six experiments run at a nominal axialstrain rate of are being compiled and preparedfor inclusion in a data report. Preparations for theseries of six constant stress (creep) experiments areongoing. The experiments will be starting in July 1992after a delay resulting from minor problems with theinternal funace. Six samples of TSw2 will be tested ata pore pressure of 4.5 MPa, a confining pressure of 5MPa, and a constant differential stress of 80 MPa.Initially, the experiments will be performed at roomtemperature and then at 2500C. Each test will eachtake about four months to complete. Also, R. Martinand R. Price presented the status of the testing to theSNL YMP Rock Mechanics Review Panel in Albuquer-que, NM on June 11, 1992. (SCP 8.3.1.15.1.3.2)

R. Price is a member of the American Society forTesting and Materials/institute for Standards Research(ASTM/ISR) Steering Committee for theInterlaboratory Testing Program for Rock Properties.The testing portion of Phase I has been completed,with a total of nine govemment, private, and academiclaboratories participating. The committee met on June17, 1992 in Louisville, KY and completed the review ofthe draft report of the Phase I data and finalized plansfor Phase II. (No SCP Activity)Staff attended a meeting of ASTM Subcommittee D-18.12 on Rock Mechanics on June 16, 1992 in Louis-ville, KY. Several Standard Methods are being revisedby members of the committee and the review of thesedocuments was discussed. In addition, staff volun-teered to begin drafting a standard for running rotaryfriction experiments. (No SCP Activity)

SAND92-0119, entitled 'Experimental Comparison ofLaboratory Techniques in Determining Bulk Properties

16

June 1992

of Tuffaceous Rocks," is being technically and editori-ally reviewed. (SCP 8.3.1.15.1.3.2)

Major Activties Upcoming Next Three Months

1.2.3.2.7.1.4 LABORATORY DETERMINATIONOF THE MECHANICALPROPERTIES OF FRACTURES

Significants Meetings Attended

SAND92-0847, entitled "Modulus Dispersion andAttenuation in Tuff," is being drafted and will begin thereview process in the next two months. (SCP8.3.1.15.1.3.2)

S. Brown (SNL) was cochairman and major presenterat a Short Course on Fractals at the 33rd U.S. Sympo-sium on Rock Mechanics in Santa Fe, NM, on June10, 1992.


Study Plan "Laboratory Determination ofthe Mechanical Properties of Fractures," has beenreviewed by other Project participant, Project Office,and Headquarters personnel and the review com-ments were received in May. The comments havebeen read and considered. The responses to thecomments are being formulated by the authors and arevision of the study plan will be written in the next twoto three months. (SCP 8.3.1.15.1.4.1 and8.3.1.15.1.4.2)

W. Olsson, S. Brown, and R. Price presented thestatus of the mechanical fracture properties work onthe SNL YMP Rock Mechanics Review Panel inAlbuquerque, NM on June 11, 1992. (SCP8.3.1.15.1.4.1 and 8.3.1.15.1.4.2)

The time-dependent mechanical properties of fracturesare being investigated to address long-term stabilityissues within the potential repository. This month theresults from experiments on artificial fractures insamples of welded, devitrified Tonopah Spring Mem-ber tuff to study the effect of water in rate-steppingexperiments have been analyzed. While preliminaryanalysis of the data has indicated that there is verylittle, if any, difference in the shear behavior at thesetwo saturation conditions, the analysis is continuing.(SCP 8.3.1.15.1.4.2)


A revised version of Study Plan 8.3.1.15.1.4, "Labora-tory Determination of the Mechanical Properties ofFractures," will be submitted to the Project Officewithin the next three months. (SCP 8.3.1.15.1.4.1 and8.3.1.15.1.4.2)

A journal article summarizing the topography datacollected on seventeen natural joints and the analysisof the data using the simple mathematical model isbeing drafted and will be submitted for internal reviewin the next three months. (SCP 8.3.1.15.1.4.1 and8.3.1.15.1.4.2)


1.2.3.2.8.3 GROUND MOTION FROMREGIONAL EARTHQUAKES ANDUNDERGROUND NUCLEAREXPLOSIONS

1.2.3.2.8.4.6 QUATERNARY FAULTING WITHINTHE SITE AREA


June 1992

Status Report on Onging Activities

SAND92-0956, "A Statistical Analysis of GroundMotion Resulting From Underground Nuclear Explo-sions in the Yucca Mountain Region," by B.Rutherford, was submitted for internal SNL technicaland managerial review.

A draft progress report, "Geologic Mapping Within theYucca Wash and Northwestern Fortymile WashDrainage Basins, Nye County, Nevada," by J. Gibson(SNL) was submitted to the USGS in Denver, CO forinformal review. This report includes a description ofmapping units, faults that transect this area, andcopies of preliminary maps at a scale of 1:12,000.

1.2.3.2.8.4.2 LOCATION AND RECENCY OFFAULTING NEAR PROSPECTIVESURFACE FACILITIES


Work continues by Geornatrix Consultants on loggingsoil pits and trenches in Midway Valley. Delays havebeen encountered because of safety concerns regard-ing the trenches. Entry into the trenches will occuronce the safety requirements have been satisfied.Shoring may need to be used in the trenches or thetrench configuration changed.


18

1.2.3.6.2.1.6 FUTURE REGIONAL CLIMATE/ENVIRONMENTS


Staff attended the 26th Annual Congress of theCanadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society,which was held June 8 through 12, 1992 In QuebecCity, Canada to give a key address on regional climatemodeling.


June 1992

runoff). The analysis will first be conducted for variousbasins in the United States to understand the generalbehavior of the model hydrologic component. After theoverall model evaluation is complete, a detailedvalidation analysis for a smaller region encompassingYucca Mountain, NV will be performed.

All reviewers' comments on the Phase I report, "Simu-lation of Arid Climate of the Southern Great BasinUsing a Regional Climate Model," have now beenaddressed.

QA software evaluation of the Regional Climate Model(RCM) computer model is ongoing.


The overall evaluation of the surface climatology of the3-1/2 year present-day run with MM4 driven by GEN-ESIS is essentially complete. This evaluation waslimited to spatial and seasonal characteristics of themodel climatology and was conducted for the wholeUnited States. It showed that the model reproducedtemperature well over most of the domain, except theGreat Lakes region, and also reproduced most fea-tures of the averaged precipitation field. Over theWest, precipitation was somewhat overpredicted butthe orographically forced regional precipitation pat-tems were well simulated, especially during the coldseason. Overall, seasonal precipitation patterns werealso realistic in the model, although the model perfor-mance varied widely from region to region. Theanalysis also showed that over the western UnitedStates, the use of the nested model considerablyimproved the simulation of surface climate comparedto the use of the Global Climate Modeling (GCM)alone.Additional analyses are being planned to: (1) look atthe model variability by analyzing higher-order statis-tics of the precipitation and temperature fields (variabil-ity in simulated precipitation and temperature isimportant for the effect that it has on the surfacehydrology); and (2) examine the simulated hydrologicfields (soil moisture, evaporation, infiltration, and


The review of the Phase I report, "Toward the Simula-tion of Possible Future Climate Scenarios over theSouthern Great Basin," will be completed.

A multiyear regional climate run for the western UnitedStates using boundary conditions provided by CCM1,a modeling program, at finer resolution (T420) will becompleted.

The software evaluation reports for computer codesassociated with the regional climate modeling will becompleted.

Issues/Potential Problems Needing Resolution andPotential Impacts

QA-certified inputs from the global circulation model, tobe provided by Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL),have been delayed. SNL has proposed an altenativeplan to Dr. R. Dyer, YMPO, to prevent any furtherdelays. This altenative plan is not yet finalized.

19

June 1992

1.2.4 REPOSITORY INVESTIGATIONS

The objectives of the Repository element are to design a repository compatible with the host rock that meets theengineered barrier performance objectives of 10 CFR 60 and 40 CFR 191; to develop the required Instrumenta-tion and equipment for the repository; to obtain the necessary geoengineering data through laboratory and fieldtests; and to identify repository operation, closure, and decommissioning requirements.

1.2.4.1.1 REPOSITORY MANAGEMENT ANDINTEGRATION

1.2.4.2.1.1.1 EXCAVATION INVESTIGATIONS

Significant Meetings AttendedStatus Report on Ongoing Activities

Several integration efforts are ongoing. A plan hasbeen developed in cooperation with Lawrencelivermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and LANL toaddress the issue of consolidation of Thermal Tests inthe ESF. A list of tests that could be consolidated hasbeen developed and initial discussions between LINL,SNL, and LANL have been completed. A thermaldesign working group has been formed with key stafffrom SNL, LLNL, and the M&O. The Initial focus ofthis group will be to revise the current Site Character-ization Plan (SCP) thermal design goals for therepository. Once this is completed, issues such as therange of thermal loading to be studied during Ad-vanced Conceptual Design (ACD) can be addressed.

Staff hosted a meeting of the Rock Mechanics ReviewPanel on June 11 and 12, 1992. The Rock MechanicsReview Panel consists of six independent, objective,highly qualified experts in rock mechanics whosepurpose is to provide advice and technical recommen-dations to SNLs rock mechanics investigators. SNL'scurrent plans for the ESF were presented to the paneland discussions with the panel followed that helpedadvance the design of the ESF tests. These designenhancements should result in better test measure-ments when the experiments are fielded.

Initial design analyses to address a range of thermalloading for both in-drift and in-borehole emplacementschemes have been completed and will be consoli-dated with the M&O waste-stream studies. SNL andthe M&O will review these results and designateseveral cases for further study.

Input for all SNL activities in 1.2.4 for the mission 2001exercise was completed and transmitted to the ProjectOffice. SNL is working with LANL and the M&O toprovide input into the decision process for a possibleprototype test facility for the long-term thermal/hydro-logical and thermal/structural tests.


Thermal structural calculations of near-drift responsefor a range of thermal loadings will be completed bylate July 1992. These analyses support the M&Owaste-stream systems studies.


June 1992

1.2.4.2.1.1.2 IN SITU THERMOMECHANICALPROPERTIES

1.2.4.2.1.1.3 IN SITU MECHANICALPROPERTIES

Status Report on Ongoing Activities Status Report on Ongoing Activities

A rough draft on a study of thermal effects on Instru-mentation, produced to make recommendations for theESF thermal tests, was written. The study lists whatinstrumentation is needed and why it is needed,matches this list with available off-the-shelf instrumen-tation, and details new technologies that may be ableto fill the gaps where no commercial instrumentation isavailable.


Clarification was provided to the Independent CostEstimating (ICE) Team to explain differences betweenSNL's PACS estimates and the ICE Team's estimates.

1.2.4.2.1.2 ROCK MASS ANALYSIS


On June 11-12, 1992, SNL convened a meeting of theRock Mechanics Review Panel. This panel consists ofZ. Bieniawski, Penn State; S. Crouch, University ofMinnesota; H. Pincus, Consuftant; J. Russel, TexasA&M; C. Scholz, Columbia; and H. Swolfs, USGS. Anumber of topics were discussed during the meetingincluding laboratory testing of intact rock, laboratorytesting of fractures, laboratory joint model testing,thermal analyses, field testing, and analyses. SNL'swork in these areas was presented to the panel forcomment. The most significant comments receivedwere associated with the instrumentation to be usedfor the field testing. These recommendations arebeing considered during the writing of the final testplans.


June 199213,000 lines/in.) Experimentation with these gratingswill begin next month.

Substantial progress was made in completing thesoftware QA requirements so that the ESF supportanalyses can be performed. It is anticipated that thefinal QA approvals will be obtained in July 1992 andthe analyses will be performed soon thereafter.

A series of experiments designed to study the effectsof nonstandard loading conditions on frictional proper-ties is being conducted at the University of Colorado.Four rock samples with fractures and five to sevenreplicates of each fracture have been tested for normalstiffness properties and then tested in shear withconstant normal load or constant normal stiffnessconditions. This month, the final three samples weretested and the data is being reduced and analyzed.The data and analysis will be reported in SANDdocuments that will be drafted in the next threemonths. Some of this work was presented in a paper,"Shear Response of a Rock Joint Under DifferentBoundary Conditions: An Experimental Study," J.Wibowo, B. Amadei, S. Sture, A. Robertson, and R.Price, at the Fractured and Jointed Rock MassesConference, June 3-5, 1992.

The report "Fracture Analysis and RQD Estimation forthe Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project," byM. Lin and M. Hardy (Agapito & Associates) and S.Bauer (SNL), SAND92-0449, has completed ProjectOffice review. Peer review comments have beenresolved for SAND92-0450, "Rock Mass MechanicalProperty Estimates for the Yucca Mountain SiteCharacterization Project," by M. Lin and M. Hardy(Agapito & Associates) and S. Bauer (SNL).

Work on the laboratory experiments involving loadinglayered polycarbonate plate models continued. SNLhas been working on improving the technique forinterpreting Moire fringes. SNL expects to automateand improve the accuracy of the method. To do this,SNL has been developing software that allows for theperformance of digital bandpass filtering of the dataand to mask out certain areas of the model such as ahole. When these techniques are fully Implementednext month and SNL receives a new monochromaticlight source, the layered model will be retested. SNLhas also ordered some new diffraction gratings thatwill significantly increase resolution. (The currentmethod uses 1000 line/in. while the new gratings are

Sandia National Laboratories22

June 1992

1.2.4.2.3.1 CERTIFICATION OF DESIGNMETHODS

1.2.4.2.3.2 DESIGN ANALYSIS

Status Report on Ongoing ActivitiesStatus Report on Ongoing Activities

While updating the jointed rock continuum model to bemore efficient and to be compatible with a newerversion of SNL's main finite element, JAC2D, stafffound that the new material model in the new versionof the JAC code produced results that were inconsis-tent with those obtained in the past (in terms ofrobustness, convergence rate, and displacements).Further complicating the situation, the new materialmodel is a complete rewrite (to obtain more efficiency)and the old JAC and old material model will not run onthe current CRAY operating system. To sort out theproblems, staff began an effort to carefully examineand test the material models. Initially, a simpleconversion of the old material model to work in thenew JAC was performed. Both material models agreefor a number of small test cases run this month. Nextmonth, some larger problems where discrepancieswere first detected will be run.

Testing of combined finite-element and boundary-element technologies continued. Another test problemwas attempted and the equation solver failed to obtaina solution. Next month, consideration will be given tousing a direct solver to determine if the problem is withthe method or the equation solver. Some work with

"infinite" elements has been performed and theelements have been formulated. These elements mayhave better numerical characteristics than the bound-ary elements. SNL expects to implement and testthese elements in the next few months. This work hasresulted in a paper, "A Combined Finite Element -Boundary Element Formulation for Iterative SolutionMethods," by J. Koteras to be presented at the CUBE92 Symposium, October 27-30, 1992.

A paper covering some of SNL's discrete-elementwork, "A Study of Discrete and Continuum JointModeling Techniques," by J. Jung and S. Brown,SAND91-1730C, was presented at the Fractured andJointed Rock Masses Conference, June 3-5, 1992.

Work on PDM 75-25, "New 3-D Far-Field RepositoryThermomechanical Calculations," continued. Thedefined analyses are intended to determine thetemperatures, stresses, and strains expected in thevicinity of ESF openings that may become part of therepository. The "new repository design" is being usedin the analysis, with thermal loadings of 57 and 80 kW/acre. Results from the first phase (thermal calcula-tions) have been completed and are being docu-mented. The definition of mechanical calculationsexamining the performance of drift Intersections hasbeen initiated and work should begin within the nextmonth.

Based on requests from the M&O, a work agreementwas developed that outlines a series of thermalanalyses to be run in support of TRW's systems studyon the thermal management of the potential repository.The ongoing analyses are examining the near-fieldthermal effects of two emplacement options, two wastepackage concepts, two drift shapes and sizes, and sixlocal areal power densities (LAPDs) in limited combi-nation. Phase I of these calculations, examining thenear-field thermal response to LAPDs of 20, 24.2, 57,69.1, 114, and 138.2 kW/acre for an SCP-type verticalemplacement layout, and 57 and 114 kW/acre for anin-drift emplacement scheme, has been completed.Selected results of these analyses will be used infuture mechanical calculations.

A study comparing the predictions of near-field thermalresponse using approximations of smeared two-dimensional heat sources and discrete three-dimen-sional representations was initiated. Near-fieldthermal and thermal-mechanical analyses are oftenrun as two-dimensional approximations. For thereference emplacement options published in the SCP,this requires the smearing of the power outputs ofdiscrete canister heat sources into a rectangularregion that is assumed to be infinitely extensiveperpendicular to the modeled plane. Such a "smear-ing' results in a diffusion of the source and may resultin an underprediction of near-field thermal response.The purpose of this study is to provide a preliminaryevaluation of this aspect of two-dimensional thermalmodeling.

23

June 1992

1.2.4.6.1 SEAL DESIGN AND DESIGNREQUIREMENTS

1.2.4.6.2 SEALING TESTING

Status of Ongoing ActivitiesStatus of Ongoing Activities

Development of the report, entitled OA Strategy forSealing Exploratory Boreholes for the Yucca MountainProject,* continued. The primary activities involved thepreparation of many figures to be used in the report.Portions of Chapter 3 were completed dealing with therock strength and the In situ conditions.

Draft report SAND92-0960, "Field Testing Definition ofSubsurface Sealing and Backfilling Tests in Unsatur-ated Tuff, by J. Fernandez, J. Case, and J. Tyburski isstill undergoing Internal technical peer review. Thereport has been in technical review for two months. Asa result of this long review time, the completion of thisreport may continue into FY93.

Work continued on the review of available technolo-gies to seal underground openings. The followingwere accomplished during this month:

* Completion of a rough draft of the chapterdealing with backfilling technologies.

* Documentation of the material handling processfor backfill materials from when the rock isexcavated to when it is emplaced.

* Development of potential gradations of minedmaterials using different mining techniques.

* Preparation of an annotated outline for thegrouting technology.


June 1992

1.2.5 REGULATORY AND INSTITUTIONAL

The objective of the Regulatory and Institutional element is to (1) conduct all activities involving licensing, environ-mental compliance, communication, and liaison with the State of Nevada, affected Indian tribes, and the publicand (2) administer the grants mandated by the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA) of 1982.

1.2.5.1 MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRAION 1.2.5.2.2 SITE CHARACTERIZATIONPROGRAM

Status Report on Ongoing ActivitiesStatus Report on Ongoing Activities

Staff represented SNL on the public tour conducted atYucca Mountain, NV on June 27, 1992. These toursare conducted monthly as part of the DOE publicoutreach program. A representative from each of theYMP participants is requested to staff the exhibits atthe Field Operation Center (FOC) and answer ques-tions that the public might have about the displays.


Support for the weekly meetings of the Integrated TestEvaluation effort continued.

25

1.2.5 STUDY PLAN COORDINATION 1.2.5.2.6

June 1992

SEMI-ANNUAL PROGRESSREPORTS


Study Plan 8.3.1.12.2.1, Rev. 1, "Meteorological DataCollection at the Yucca Mountain Site," written byScience Applications International Corp. (SAIC) staff,was reviewed by staff in response to a Project Officerequest. The Review Checklist with no comments wassubmitted to the Yucca Mountain Site CharacterizationProject Office (YMPO) on June 3, 1992. (No SCPActivity)


The review draft of the Progress Report was received,reviewed, and approved.


A joint YMP/HQ meeting has been set up for July 1,1992 at SNL to address and resolve comments onStudy Plan 8.3.1.4.3.1.1, "Systematic Acquisition ofSite-Specific Subsurface Deformation-SystematicDrilling Program," by C. Rautman (SNL).


I

June 1992

1.2.6 EXPLORATORY SHAFT INVESTIGATIONS

The objective of the Exploratory Shaft element is to develop, design, construct, operate, maintain, and decommis-sion the exploratory shafts required for site characterization and to plan and implement the in situ testing program.

1.2.6.1.1 EXPLORATORY SHAFTMANAGEMENT, PLANNING, ANDTECHNICAL ASSESSMENT


Staff participated in a number of meetings to formulatea decision process for determining the need for aprototype facility. SNL provided input to severalsections of the decision report, which will be finished inmid-July.


June 1992

1.2.9 PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The objective of the Project Management element is to schedule, budget, perform, control, coordinate, and reportProject management, Project control, and quality assurance work. This includes identifying and defining inter-faces among Project elements and integrating those elements.

1.2.9.1.1 MANAGEMENT


Four SAND reports were printed and distributed inJune 1992:

* SAND87-2778, G-Tunnel Pressurized Slot-Testing Evaluations," by R. Zimmerman (SNL),K. Mann, R. Bellman, and S. Luker (SAIC), D.Dodds (North Pacific Research), and C. Sifre-Soto (SNL);

* SAND89-7007, "Transportation Cask Decon-tamination and Maintenance at the YuccaMountain Repository," by D. Hartman and D.Miller (Bechtel National, Inc.);

* SAND90-2491, "Summary and Evaluation ofExisting Geological and Geophysical Data NearProspective Surface Facilities in Midway Valley,Yucca Mountain Project, Nye County, Nevada,"by J. Gibson (SNL), F. Swan, J. Wesling, T.Bullard, R. Perman, M. Angell, and L. DiSilvestro(Geornatrix); and

SAND91-0607, "Preliminary Mapping of SurficialGeology of Midway Valley, Yucca MountainProject, Nye County, Nevada," by J. Wesling, T.Bullard, F. Swan, R. Perman, and M. Angell(Geomatrix) and J. Gibson (SNL).

1.2.9.1.4 RECORDS MANAGEMENT


Local Records Center (LRC) staff implementingprocedure QAIP 17-3, "Processing, Storing, andProtecting YMP QA Records," was approved and isscheduled for distribution.

Signiciant Meetings Attended

LRC staff attended the DOE Records ManagementConference in Englewood, CO from June 23-25, 1992.


Cross-training of LRO staff in the Data RecordsManagement System (DRMS) function was com-pleted. Development of supplemental modules for theOn-the-Job Training (OJT) program for LRC staffcontinued. Work to revise the Master List of FileCodes continued. Sorting of backlog records relatedto PDMs, Design Investigation Memos (DIMs), andInteraction Task Memos (ITMs) continued. Sorting ofbacklog records related to the SCP continued. Index-ing of photographic negatives for the Nevada Test Site(NTS) photographic data base was completed. Slides,maps, and videos remain to be inventoried. A draftdesk guidance for LRC statistics was completed.


A revision to the Master List of File Codes will beissued.


June 1992

1.2.9.1.5 YUCCA MOUNTAIN SITECHARACTERIZATION PROJECT(YMP) SUPPORT FOR THETRAINING MISSION


The recommendations of the Job EffectivenessTraining (JET) Quality Action Team (QAT) werepresented to the Technical Project Officer (TPO) bythe training staff. The TPO accepted the recommen-dations which will be incorporated into the revision JETprogram.


1.2.9.2 PROJECT CONTROL


Major efforts of staff were focused on support of theYMP Mission 2001 schedule and resource planningactivities. These efforts included setting up a worksta-tion, establishing backup and restore procedures,developing and testing programs to import dataautomatically, and supporting the transfer of data toLas Vegas, NV from the workstation.

The 2001 Planning Exercise was completed June 22,1992 with the successful electronic transfer of the SNLplanning networks, work scopes, and budget data tothe YMPO. Retransmissions of corrections to theinitial data transfer have been completed duringsubsequent weeks. The May project status and costdata were successfully transmitted electronicallyduring the second week of June 1992.

A procedure was developed and tested to support theelectronic transfer of Monthly Status Reports to LasVegas, NV using Internet and the VAX ALL-IN-ONEprogram.

Development of the Controlled Document System(CDS) data base for implementation on the Adminis-trative Information Management System (AIMS) Isunder development. Design of the "Person" data tablewas reevaluated.


Staff attended the Annual American Society forTraining Development (ASTD) Conference in NewOrleans, LA, May 31 through June 4, 1992. Staffattended the quarterly Training Coordinator Meetinghosted by the Project Office Training Staff in June 17-19, 1992 in Las Vegas, NV.


The "Pulling it Together technical orientation videomodule was filmed June 2, 1992 at Yucca Mountain.This video will be used to give new technical staff acohesive overview of the issues and concerns of thesite characterization process.

Two summer staff were added to the training functionto support the implementation of the JET program andto complete the orientation module.


Code development for the AIMS Controlled DocumentSystem (CDS) element will be completed and installedin July 1992.

Major Activities Upcoming Next Three MonthsProject Office training staff will perform an on-siteevaluation of the SNL YMP training program on July16, 1992. Their visit to SNL will also include a meetingwith the TPO.

The installation of the upgrade to the NOVELL servercomputer and software, used to support the ProjectControl processing, is scheduled to be performedduring July 1992, based upon the arrival of the hard-ware and software upgrades.

Staff will attend Primavera training sessions in LasVegas, NV in July and will assist with integration ofschedules In Mission 2001.

The Project Control Steering Committee and advisorswill meet in Albuquerque, NM to elect a new chair andco-chair.

Sandia National Laboratories29

1.2.9.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

June 1992

One surveillance was performed during June 1992;QA criteria elements 3, 5, 6, and 17 were examined.The surveillance results are being prepared. YMPDOE QA staff accompanied the surveillance team asan observer.


One external audit was conducted during this month;activities being conducted by J. F. T. Agapito & Assoc.were examined. The audit report is being preparedand the audit resulted in two findings and two observa-tions. Staff performed a review of the OCRWM QualityAssurance Requirements Document (QARD) "Draft"Rev. 08 and submitted comments to the OCRWM.


The YMP DOE QA Audit of SNL YMP Criteria ele-ments 3, 5, 6, 17, 19, and 20 is scheduled to beginAugust 25, 1992.

The procedure streamlining process continues. Thefollowing procedure revisions were issued or are inprocess:

An audit of a subcontractor, the National Center forAtmospheric Research (NCAR), is scheduled forAugust 1992.

Three surveillances are scheduled for the next quarter.Areas to be reviewed include QA program elements 20and WBS activities 124612, 121441, and 1232222.PROCEDURE

QAIP 1-2 OrganizationQAIP 2-8 Conduct and

Reporting ofManagementAssessments

QAIP 5-1 QA ImplementingProcedures

QAIP 5-4 Use of AP-OsQAIP 8-1 Sample

Identification andHandlingRequirements

QAIP 10-1 SurveillancesQAIP 16-3 GA Program ReportQAIP 17-1 Preparing and

Submitting YMPRecords

QAIP 17-3 Processing YMPRecords

Issued (Rev. 03) The improvement and simplification of SNL QualityAssurance implementing Procedures (QAIPs) willcontinue, as will activity on the development of a newcomputer-network-based OA matrix.

Issued

In reviewIn review

Other Items to Report

Four Work Agreements were processed this month;two were placed with subcontractors and two wereissued to internal SNL organizations.

Prepare draftIssuedIn review

Issued

Issued


June 1992

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE INFORMATION BASE

1. REFERENCE INFORMATION BASE (RIB)CHANGE REQUESTS SUBMITTED

RISCR Subject Participant Status

APPENDIX B: TECHNICAL DATA BASE INPUT

1. CANDIDATE DAtA FOR THE TECHNICAL DATABASE

Participant Description of Data

None. None.

2. INFORMATION BEING PROCESSED AS RIBCHANGE DEVELOPMENT FILES FOR CONSID-ERATION AS INPUT TO THE RIB

RIBCR Subject Status

CR58

CR63

CR71

CR80

CR81

CR82

CR83

Volcanic Features

Estimated WaterUsagePotentialTransportationRoutes

Water ApplicationMovement

Thermal/MechanicalSurfaces

Topographic Maps

RadiologicalMonitoring

UnderDevelopment

Review Complete

Approved forRelease 4/28

UnderDevelopment



2. DATA FORMALLY SUBMITTED TO THETECHNICAL DATA BASE

Participant Description of Data SNL Data Auth. No.

None.

3. DATA FORMALLY ENTERED INTO THETECHNICAL DATA BASE

Participant Description of Data SNL Data Auth. No.

DA0158 - Thermal Expansion Data for UnsaturatedTuffs from Yucca Mountain, Nevada from SNL reportSAND88-1581.

Initiated

3. INFORMATION ENTERED INTO THE RIB

None.

Candidate information is identified by RIB ChangeRequests, which are prepared in accordance withRevision 0 of Yucca Mountain Project Administrative

Procedure AP-5.30, information Flow Into theReference Information Base," which is implemented

at SNL as Department Operating Procedure (DOP)DOP 3-8.


Documents

MONTHLY Status REPORT · Department of Energy (DOE), dated June 3, 1992, a transition plan was recommended that would have the SEPDB officially transferred by September 30, 1992