Experimental Research on Nuclear Waste Disposal

Course guarantor:

Radek Vašíček

Lecturer:

Jiří Šťástka, Radek Vašíček

Tutor:

Jiří Šťástka, Radek Vašíček

Supervisor:

Centre of Experimental Geotechnics

Synopsis:

Introducing a unique elective course that will introduce you to the world of safe radioactive waste containment. This course will take you through the complex issues involved, from the classification of radioactive waste according to different aspects, to the principles of multi-barrier systems of the final disposal, to vertical and horizontal disposal of high-level waste.

You will learn what requirements must be met by the design of a deep repository and become familiar with natural analogues and engineered barriers. Special attention will be paid to bentonite, the basic material of the geotechnical part of an engineered barrier, and its properties.

The course is interdisciplinary and includes laboratory and „in situ“ research in underground laboratories. You will have the opportunity to engage in physical modelling, including mock-up models, and practical exercises in the laboratory where you will experience measurements of bentonite plasticity, swelling pressures, permeability of pressed samples, strength and deformation characteristics and thermophysical properties.

In addition, you will participate in exercise in the Josef underground laboratory (http://www.stolajosef.cz), where you will have the opportunity to become more familiar with the construction, operation and evaluation of physical „in situ“ models. This course will provide you with a unique perspective on the issue of safe disposal of radioactive waste and allow you to gain valuable experience.

Requirements:

No prerequisites.

Syllabus of lectures:

- Types of Radwaste, Fuel Cycle, LLW/ILW repository, Natural analogues, Deep repository

- Several Deep repository concepts

- Requirements on sealing material, localities of bentonite in the Czech Republic/ Europe /World

- Basic characterization - Properties of bentonite, Microstructure

- LABORATORY I. - Density, Specific density, Degree of saturation - Theory, Practical tests

- LABORATORY II. - Atterberg limits, Effect of thermal loading - Theory, Practical test

- LABORATORY III. - Swelling pressure, Swell index, Permeability, Practical test

- LABORATORY IV. - Thermal properties

- Underground Laboratories, Physical modelling, Large scale experiments

- Practical exercise in Josef underground laboratory

- Students presentations

Syllabus of tutorials:

- Types of Radwaste, Fuel Cycle, LLW/ILW repository, Natural analogues, Deep repository

- Several Deep repository concepts

- Requirements on sealing material, localities of bentonite in the Czech Republic/ Europe /World

- Basic characterization - Properties of bentonite, Microstructure

- LABORATORY I. - Density, Specific density, Degree of saturation - Theory, Practical tests

- LABORATORY II. - Atterberg limits, Effect of thermal loading - Theory, Practical test

- LABORATORY III. - Swelling pressure, Swell index, Permeability, Practical test

- LABORATORY IV. - Thermal properties

- Underground Laboratories, Physical modelling, Large scale experiments

- Practical exercise in Josef underground laboratory

- Students presentations

Study Objective:

Ability to have a basic understanding of permanent disposal of radioactive waste. Practical experience of the specific behaviour of engineered barrier materials from a geotechnical perspective.

Study materials:

http://ceg.fsv.cvut.cz/

Pusch R., 2001. SKB Technical Report TR-02-12, The Buffer and Backfill Handbook Part 2: Materials and techniques, Roland Pusch, Geodevelopment AB

Pusch R., 2002. SKB Technical Report TR-02-20, The Buffer and Backfill Handbook Part 1: Definitions, basic relationships, and laboratory methods, Geodevelopment AB

Note:

Time-table for winter semester 2024/2025:

Time-table is not available yet

Time-table for summer semester 2024/2025:

Time-table is not available yet

The course is a part of the following study plans: