• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.75-94
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• 2019

As the present single-layer repository concept requires too large an area for the site of the repository, a multi-layer repository concept has been suggested to improve the disposal density. The effects of the excavation damaged zone around the multi-layer repository constructed in the deep host rock on the temperature distribution in the repository were analyzed. For the thermal analysis of the multi-layer repository, the hydrothermal model was used to consider the resaturation process occurring in the buffer, backfill and rock. The existence of an excavation damaged zone has a significant effect on the temperature distribution in the repository, and the maximum peak temperatures of double-layer and triple-layer repositories can rise to $7^{\circ}C$ and $12^{\circ}C$, respectively depending on the size of the excavation damaged zone and the degree of decrease of the thermal conductivity. The dominant factor affecting the peak temperature in the multi-layer repository is the decrease of thermal conductivity in the excavation damaged zone, and the excavation damaged zone formed around the deposition hole has more significant effects on the peak temperature than does the excavation damaged zone formed around the disposal tunnel.

• Proceedings of the Korean Radioactive Waste Society Conference
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• 2019.05a
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• pp.151-152
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• 2019

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.587-609
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• 2019

Short-and long-term stabilities of bentonite, favored material as buffer in geological repositories for high-level waste were reviewed in this paper in addition to alternative design concepts of buffer to mitigate the thermal load from decay heat of SF (Spent Fuel) and further increase the disposal efficiency. It is generally reported that the irreversible changes in structure, hydraulic behavior, and swelling capacity are produced due to temperature increase and vapor flow between $150{\sim}250^{\circ}C$. Provided that the maximum temperature of bentonite is less than $150^{\circ}C$, however, the effects of temperature on the material, structural, and mineralogical stability seems to be minor. The maximum temperature in disposal system will constrain and determine the amount of waste to be disposed per unit area and be regarded as an important design parameter influencing the availability of disposal site. Thus, it is necessary to identify the effects of high temperature on the performance of buffer and allow for the thermal constraint greater than $100^{\circ}C$. In addition, the development of high-performance EBS (Engineered Barrier System) such as composite bentonite buffer mixed with graphite or silica and multi-layered buffer (i.e., highly thermal-conductive layer or insulating layer) should be taken into account to enhance the disposal efficiency in parallel with the development of multilayer repository. This will contribute to increase of reliability and securing the acceptance of the people with regard to a high-level waste disposal.