Abstract EN:

In the framework of Cigéo, the future underground repository for long-lived radioactive waste, the monitoring of the structures must be guaranteed for almost a century to ensure its reversibilit. The horizontal repository cells will be loaded by 500 m of rock which will reduce their section over time. This reduction, called convergence, must be monitored by sensors with resistance to harsh environment, low intrusiveness, proper sensitivity. We propose the use of distributed optical fiber strain sensing cables, whose strain measurements are used to calculate convergence via an inverse-analysis finite-element method, using Brillouin and Rayleigh backscatterings. The method is described, assessing the influence of structural parameters and measurements noise on its sensitivity. We validate it in a laboratory test, in controlled conditions and underground, reproducing convergences up to the representative value of 10 mm on a mock-up of the high-level waste repository cell. We compare two fixation methods and loading schemes, using other sensors as reference. Results show how distributed optical fiber sensors can achieve the required 1 mm of resolution, close to standard methods. The fibers have been firstly analysed under the coupled effect of temperature and radiation up to a total γ-rays dose of 1 MGy. Temperatures around 100°C preserve the fiber functioning better than being at room temperature. A specific cable for strain sensing, with a radiation resistant fiber inside, is then developed and tested, reporting that temperature and strain sensitivities and the mechanical behaviour remain stable up to 500 kGy. We evaluate also the role of the protective layers of the tested cable and its plastic behaviour up to 10000 με.