UNITED STATES 0088NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 2D5-SWO1

OCT 2 0 19

MEMORANDUM FOR: Ronald L. Ballard, ChiefGeology and Engineering Branch

THRU: Keith McConnell, Section LeaderGeology/Geophysics SectionGeology and Engineering Branch

FROM: Steve McDuffieGeology/Geophysics SectionGeology and Engineering Branch

SUBJECT: TRIP REPORT ON APPENDIX 7 MEETING WITH DOE AND CONTRACTORSTO OBSERVE DEMONSTRATIONS OF LYNX AND EARTHVISION SOFTWAREPACKAGES

On August 10-11, 1993, Don Chery of the HLWM staff, Gerry Stirewalt of CNWRA,and I travelled to Denver, CO and Las Vegas, NV for an Appendix 7 meeting withrepresentatives of the DOE and their contractors. This meeting was requestedby the NRC so that we could observe demonstrations of two software packages inuse by DOE, Lynx and EarthVision. Enclosure contains the agenda for the twoday meeting. Lynx and EarthVision aid in the construction of 3-dimensionalgeologic models, and they will be used extensively during sitecharacterization and the possible preparation of a license application. CNWRAalready possesses the EarthVision software, and during the trip NRC was in thefinal stages of procuring it. The chief purpose of this trip was to observethe use of both software packages and to discuss the attributes of each withthose individuals most familiar with them. This was to better prepare forfuture decisions by NRC and CNWRA on whether the Lynx software should bepurchased.

August 10 was spent at the offices of SAIC in Denver; all in attendance arelisted in enclosure 2. After some introductory remarks by Ardyth Simmons(DOE) and Gerry Stirewalt (CNWRA), Mark Tynan (DOE) presented DOE's ManagementPlan for 3-D geological modeling (handouts in enclosure 3). Apparently eachcontractor will develop their individual geologic models using their-preference of EarthVision or Lynx (USGS does rock characteristics,stratigraphy/structure model, LLNL does geochemical model, etc.), and EG&Gwill integrate all the 3-D models using EarthVision. In discussion followingMark Tynan's presentation, representatives of the USGS and their contractorscontended that some modeling tasks are better suited for Lynx, while others

Ware more appropriate for EarthVision.

Rick Spengler (USGS) gave a brief presentation on the use of Lynx by the RockCharacteristics Section of the USGS. His group is using the package to createa geologic framework, or stratigraphic reference section, into which othermodels (geochemical, hydrologic, etc.) can be incorporated. David Buesch ofthe USGS gave a slide presentation detailing the process of 3-D geologic modelconstruction with Lynx. An important point which came out in this

93107012 93020PDR WASTE PJDR

presentation is that Lynx can only display a series of fence diagrams, givinga 2 ia-Dimensionall view; a display package called Wavefront is necessary toproduce 3-D images from Lynx models. After Buesch, Chris Rautman gave apresentation on the integration of Sandia and USGS modeling efforts. Rautmanmodels rock material properties, and he is pursuing the possibility of usingthe Lynx graphic capabilities to display his results.

The next presentation was by Jim Nelson of SAIC, the most knowledgeable Lynxuser present. He outlined the strengths and weaknesses of Lynx, which aresummarized on his handout (enclosure 4). Key assets of Lynx include theflexibility of input/output and interfacing, as well as the engineeringgeology capabilities. During this presentation Rick Spengler stated that Lynxis superior to EarthVision in accommodating faults into 3-D models, thoughsupposedly EarthVision 2 due in January 1994 will have improvements in thisregard. Nelson noted that the Lynx 3-D display capabilities and the lack of agraphical user interface are drawbacks of the system.

After lunch we observed two computer demonstrations. Chris Rautman'sdemonstration was only indirectly related to Lynx; he detailed the process bywhich he generates statistical data. He plans to eventually add hisstatistical data on rock properties to the geologic framework model developedby Spengler's group. Jim Nelson then demonstrated user interface with Lynx.As an example, he showed the process by which a secondary cross section isgenerated from two existing sections. Defining such cross sections is part ofthe process of constructing a 3-D model with Lynx. The day ended after aclosing discussion among a subset of the original participants.

The second day of the meeting, slated to focus on EarthVision, was held at theEG&G offices in Las Vegas. In addition to NRC and CNWRA staff, ArdythSimmons, Tracy Felger, Tom Bjerstedt, John Gauthier, Mark Tynan and DaveBrickey were present. We began with a discussion about EarthVision. Onepoint which garnered much attention is the proprietary gridding methodologyused by EarthVision. Stirewalt asked about precedents for using proprietary

*codes in the licensing process, and according to Gauthier the DefenseDepartment has set a precedent for not releasing proprietary codes.

Several hours were spent observing Dave Brickey's demonstration of manyEarthVision capabilities. Obvious attributes are the menu-driven userinterface and the real-time, 3-D display capabilities. In addition, theability to enlarge a portion of a 3-D image is quite useful. The package wasalso impressive in its ability to make contour maps and isopachs. Later inthe day the discussion and demonstration migrated toward GeographicInformation Systems, specifically Arcinfo and Arcview. Brickey took an houror so to demonstrate Arcview to those who were interested.

Lynx and EarthVision are similar in that they are both 3-D geologic modelingsystems. However, they have significant differences. Meeting participantsagreed that it is best not to look at one package as superior to the other.Rather, each has its strengths and weaknesses. All who have worked witheither system agree that both require significant commitments of personneltime. An estimate is one FTE Just to maintain either system, and additionalstaff time for constructing the models. It does appear that these systemswill greatly enhance DOE's ability to construct and present geologic

models. Quite possibly, they will play a significant role in the licensingprocess.

If there are questions regarding this report, I can be reached on 504-3460.

/Signed/Stephen McDuffie

Attachments: As stated

NMSS R/FJLinehan, HLWMOn-Site RepsLPDR

HLPD R/FRBallard, HLGECAbrams, HLPDCNWRA

DistributionCentral File BJYoungblood, HLWMMFederline, HLHP JHolonich, HLPDLSS PDRACNW

OFC HLGE |N| HLHP r. ^HLE 1 NAME - SMcDuffieSO __DChery____KM_ _11

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Management Plan for 3-D Geologic Modeling

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* YMPO Program Requirements

* Technical Requirements

* Models and Input Data Sources

* Implementation Plan Q

3-D Modeling:YMPO Program Requirements

* Long-Term Need for Integrated Geo-Data"Model to

support:- Performance Assessment- Annotated Outline- Site Suitability- License Application.

3-D Modeling:YMPO Program Requirements

Short Term (FY'94) Need for Near-Real-Time"Views of Subsurface Conditions (based onlatest available data) to Support

- ESF Design Construction

- Test PlanninglManagement

- Program PlanninglWork Scope Consolidation

- Technical Trade-offs/lssue Resolution

Technical Requirements

* Integrated Model/System Must AccommodateBroad Range of Geo-Data Sources:

- Stratigraphy

- Geohydrology

- StructureTectonicsVolcanism

- Geochemistry

- Thermo-Mechanical Properties

- Rock Quality (Fractures, Faults, Etc.) to support ESFDesign

- Surface Geology Data

- Supplementary Data Generated by Oversight Groups

- Geophysical Data

Technical Requirements

* Model Must Correlate All Data to Common X,Y, Z Grid and Produce Visual Products forBriefings, Reports, Analysis, Etc.:

- Cross Sections, Fence Diagrams, Etc.

- Isopachs

- Structure Contour MapsI3-D Isometrics

- Volumetric Models in 3-D

Models and Input Data Sources

* EG&GIM&O

* M&O

* USGS

* SNL

* USGS* USGS/LANL* LLNL* LANL*LBL

Synthesize Model Data, Coordinate andDevelop Integrated 3-D Model, Link toTechnical Data BaseESF Design, Integrate Geology/Structure/Rock Properties into DesignRock Characteristics, Stratigraphy!Structure Geologic ModelRock Characterisitics, Thermal/MechanicalHydrologic ModelTectonicsNolcanicsGeochemical ModelGeochemical/Mineralogical DataHydrologic Model

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1.

Implementation Plan

* Develop Integrated Data Model in DGI Format fromOther Existing Models.

* Acquire Lynx to Accommodate Data Transferwithout Developing Data Transfer Algorithm(LYNX < - DG )

* Develop Proactive Program Support Capability:

- Hardware/Software sufficient for Real-Time Analysis andProduct Development

- Technical Support from EG&G, Data Synthesis by M&O (

* Develop Rigorous Specifications for Model andData Deliverables.

* Develop Integrated Modeling Approach amongParticipants, Coordinated and Directed by YMPO.

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14.

II LYNX CHARACTERISTICS - STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSESCombination of both raster and vector technologies:

Vector : Ability to model definable (hard) geologicalboundaries to appropriate level of detail.Raster : Ability to model spatially distributed variablesor simple geologic settings.

Visualization : LYNX uses a 2D viewplane for interactivegraphics operations, the results, however, are fully 3D

(+):Engineers and geologists are more familiar with andwork more efficiently in 2D, thus making the systemlogical and intuitive(-):Viewing of 3D is possible w/in LYNX but not timelyand of a low resolution (enhanced w Wavefront)

IMPORT/EXPORT & INTERFACINGIMPORT : ASCIIEXPORT : HPGL, DXF, ASCII, PostscriptINTERFACE : ARCINFO, Auto-Cad, and GENEMAP GIS

VOLUMETRICS(+):LYNX fully volumetric; provides precise volume ofirregular eologic shapes, variables, and intersectionswith engineered features

ENGINEERING OPTION(+):Fully integrated 3D underground and surfaceexcavation design features

GEOSTATISTICS(+):Fully integrated module of 3D geostatistics developedby I. Clark of Geostokos Ltd. and LYNX Geosystems.

INPUT/OUTPUT(+):A variety of data types can be input, i.e.:

Geophysical (seismic, E/M, gravity), rock properties(porosity, permeability), hydrologic properties,etc.

(+):Any screen view can be output from LYNX, i.e.:Cross Sections, Fence Sections, Isopachs, Structure-Contour Maps, etc.

GRIDDING METHODOLOGY(+): Triangulation - Maintains/preserves data accuracyand does not introduce error

GRID MANIPULATION(+):Arithnetic, logarithmic, trigonometric, andrelational for both geostatistical grids and theirregular triangular grids

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS(+):Operates on a variety of UNIX workstations : HP, IBM,SGI, and SUN .

ENCLOSURE 4

I LYNX CHARACTERISTICS - STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSESCombination of both raster and vector technologies:

Vector.: Ability to model definable (hard) geologicalboundaries to appropriate level of detail.

(+):Completely controlled by operator (i.e. noalgorithm intermediary in the interpretativeprocess)(-) :Allows or an accurate depiction of structures(i.e. ability to accurately model faults and faultoffsets)(+):Able to add higher levels of detail around areasin which the data are denser and lessen detailaround areas in which the data are more sparse(-):Time intensive if features are complex

Raster : Ability to model spatially distributed variablesor simple geologic settings.

(+):Quick and efficient(-):If data are sparse or the geology complex maylead to an incorrect interpretation or editing afterthe feature has been created(-):Creation of large, cumbersome files