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Development of High Integrity, Maximum Durability Concrete Structures for LLW Disposal Facilities

• ID:

  952

• ESCSI:

  4370.010

• Author:

  Taylor, W.P.

• Publication Name:

  This was a paper prepared under contract to U.S. Department of Energy

• Type of Publication:

  Paper

• Publisher:

  Parsons Main, Inc.

• Dated:

  1992

• Issue/Volume:

  Ca 1992

• Other ID:

• Page(s):

  1-10

• Reference List:

  Y

• Abstract:

  A number of disposal facilities for Low-Level Radioactive Wastes have been planned for the Savannah River Site operated by the Department of Energy near Aiken, SC. Design has been completed for disposal vaults for several waste classifications and construction is nearly complete or well underway on some facilities. Specific design criteria varies somewhat for each waste classification. All disposal units have been designed as below-grade concrete vaults, although the majority will be above ground for many years before being encapsulated with earth at final closure. Some classes of vaults have a minimum required service life of 100 years. All vaults utilize concrete containing a unique blend of cement, blast furnace slag and pozzolan. The design synthesizes the properties of the concrete mix with carefully planned design details and construction methodologies to (1) eliminate uncontrolled cracking; (2) minimize leakage potential; and (3) maximize durability. The first of these vaults will become operational in 1992.