An electromagnetic-wave approach for non-contact displacement measurement in a geological nuclear waste disposal

The aim of this work is to show a preliminary investigation of possible non-contact techniques for displacement measurement in a geological nuclear waste disposal. A nuclear waste repository can be considered as a harsh environment. This suggests the possibility to study alternative methods for measurement, for example methods not using cables or buses for detecting relevant data. A possible approach is substituting cables with wireless sensors. But if cables cannot be used and the use of wireless techniques is required, new sensors must assure reliable transmission without affecting the engineered barriers performance and the reliable use of energy supply for the measuring equipment over long periods. This work shows the results of a study on the possibility of using a Ground Penetrating Radar-like approach for the contactless displacement measurement of a container immersed and suspended in a material (bentonite) with a high degree of water retention