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Modelling Radionuclide Transport in Cracks Through Cemented Radioactive Waste

MRS Online Proceedings Library volume 353, pages891–898(1994)Cite this article

Abstract

It is currently proposed to site the UK repository for intermediate-level radioactive waste (ILW) underground at a depth of several hundred metres, and to use a cementitious backfill to fill spaces between disposal packages within the repository vaults. Flow of water through the repository could be concentrated within cracks that may form in the backfill. This paper describes the CRACK and CRACK2 computer programs. These are used to predict radionuclide release via cracks, and radionuclide distributions within the vault. The programs are applied to an assessment of the release of inventory- and solubility-limited radionuclides from hypothetical ILW vaults. Calculations are reported for different densities of cracking, and for different repository designs, and the dominant modes of transport within cracks in repository vaults are discussed.

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  1. AEA Technology, 424.4 Harwell, Oxon, OX11 0RA, UK

    A. V. Chambers

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  1. A. V. Chambers
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Correspondence to A. V. Chambers.

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Chambers, A.V. Modelling Radionuclide Transport in Cracks Through Cemented Radioactive Waste. MRS Online Proceedings Library 353, 891–898 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-353-891

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