The GS Spring Conference 2025 is dedicated to one of the major challenges of geotechnics in the 21st century: the safe storage of radioactive waste. From 5 to 6 June 2025, repository concepts, innovative geotechnical investigation methods and complex modelling will be discussed and presented in Basel. The first day will focus on Switzerland’s repository strategy with presentations on procedures and processes, characterisation of the host rock, geotechnics, geomechanics, concepts and calculations for underground facilities and long-term considerations. On the second day, strategies and procedures from other countries will be presented, particularly with regard to geotechnics. The current state of research and development at international level and the first repository in operation will be presented. On the second day, there will also be an opportunity to visit the Mont Terri rock laboratory near St-Ursanne, where the geotechnical, hydrogeological and geochemical properties of the Opalinus Clay as a host rock for a repository or as a cover layer for CO2 storage have been investigated for over 25 years as part of international research projects. Parallel to the conference, an exhibition area offers the opportunity to learn more about the planned storage sites, calculation methods and monitoring strategies.
