Abstract

The basic concept for disposing high-level radioactive waste or spent fuel is to dispose of these types of waste in an underground waste disposal facility. In order to clarify the technical methods used to assure the parameters required for design studies of disposal system should be carried out. At the beginning, the basic conditions required for disposal facility are established and disposal concept is developed through technical analysis. Concerning the host rock formation, the mechanical stability of the waste galleries in deep underground and the influence of heat generated from waste on the host rock are analyzed. According to results of the analysis, a design study of the cross section underground facility layout is performed. In addition, an assessment of performing construction is carried out. Technological issues concerning the handling of waste forms and the backfilling of waste galleries should be taken into consideration. In this paper, several technical parameters are identified and assessed as important design parameters for a sustainable nuclear waste disposal facility

Keywords: Nuclear waste; Disposal; Design; Engineered barriers; Natural barriers; Host rock