ASSESSING THE MOBILITY OF CLAY MATERIALS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ENGINEERED SAFETY BARRIERS FOR RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL

Large-scale efforts implemented under the Unified State System for RW Management including the construction of near-surface disposal facilities for RW Class 3 and 4, as well as provision of long-term safety at nuclear legacy facilities require the scientific community to develop systems of engineered safety barriers preventing radionuclide releases into the environment. In the near future, at least 70 storage facilities for non-retrievable RW will require the installation of such barrier systems. The quality of barrier materials constituting to the system of engineered safety barriers (EBS), including their ability of providing a uniform backfilling of cavities inside the structures, is viewed as an important design parameter requiring proper assessment both under the production control of materials and quality control of designed EBS, including relevant in situ testing.

 

Keywords: radioactive waste, barrier clay material, decommissioning, conservation of NRHF, PUGR, CFNRW, fluidity, flowability, clay powder, bentonite, angle of repose, engineered safety barrier.