Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 March 2011
During 17 years of cooperation, the Grimsel underground test site in the Swiss Alps has become established as a major center for study of the deep geological environment. The present Phase V of operation involves collaboration of 15 organizations from 9 countries.
The 7 major projects currently running can be divided into 3 areas:
- Confirmation of fundamental understanding and testing of models of processes identified to be significant in integrated performance assessment
- Demonstration and optimization of site characterization technology
- Demonstration of the technology for constructing and operating a deep repository in an efficient and quality assured manner.
This sub-division of projects is somewhat simplistic as, wherever possible, large, long- running experiments are designed to achieve a number of goals. The paper will provide a summary of some projects running at Grimsel, an overview of the rationale behind the experimental concepts and a perspective on possible future work.