Abstract
The Supercontainer is the Belgian reference concept for the packaging of vitrified high-level radioactive waste (HLW) and spent fuel. In a previous test performed to evaluate its construction feasibility, micro-cracks developed on the surface of the concrete buffer. The surficial nature of the micro-cracks should neither jeopardize the functionality nor the safety of the Supercontainer. However, through-going cracks should be avoided as they can create preferential pathways for the migration of aggressive species.
This paper presents the results of a test performed to evaluate the suitability of using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) to detect the onset of micro-cracking in the concrete buffer. Preliminary tests showed that the DIC method can measure micro-cracks with a crack opening resolution of approximately 12.5 microns, which is sufficiently small to detect the formation of potential micro-cracks in the concrete buffer of the Supercontainer.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Monitoring in Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste: Objectives, Strategies, Technologies and Public Involvement. Proceedings of an International Conference and Workshop |
Place of Publication | Belgium |
Pages | 189-193 |
State | Published - Mar 2013 |
Event | International Conference and Workshop "Monitoring in Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste: Objectives, Strategies, Technologies and Public Involvement" - European Commission and OECD, Luxembourg Duration: 19 Mar 2013 → 21 Mar 2013 |
Conference
Conference | International Conference and Workshop "Monitoring in Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste: Objectives, Strategies, Technologies and Public Involvement" |
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Country/Territory | Luxembourg |
City | Luxembourg |
Period | 2013-03-19 → 2013-03-21 |