The Belgian approach towards the study of the compatibility of EUROBITUM with the geological disposal environment

Elie Valcke, Robert Gens

Research outputpeer-review

Abstract

In Belgium, EUROBITUM bituminized radioactive waste containing large amount of soluble salts (NaNO3) is to be disposed of in a final repository in a clay formation. Since the emplacement of the waste will induce many interdependent processes that could negatively affect the interesting radionuclide retarding properties of the clay, the study of the compatibility of EUROBITUM is very complex. To better structure the research and to identify possible knowledge gaps, NIRAS/ONDRAF, the Belgian Radioactive Waste Management Agency, developed the safety functions and safety statements approach. In this paper, we present the application of this approach for the case of EUROBITUM. The approach is illustrated with new and old results on water uptake, swelling, swelling pressure build-up, and ageing, obtained from tests performed in the laboratories of SCK•CEN, the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the ICEM2007
Subtitle of host publication11th International Conference on Environmental Remediation and Radioactive Waste Management
Place of PublicationFairfield, NJ, United States
Pages1397-1404
Number of pages8
EditionPART B
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Event2007 - ICEM: 11th International Conference on Environmental Remediation and Radioactive Waste Management - American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Bruges
Duration: 2 Sep 20076 Sep 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ICEM2007 - 11th International Conference on Environmental Remediation and Radioactive Waste Management
NumberPART B

Conference

Conference2007 - ICEM
Country/TerritoryBelgium
CityBruges
Period2007-09-022007-09-06

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Waste Management and Disposal

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