Safety assessment of near surface disposal facility for low-and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW) through multiphase-fluid simulations based on various scenarios

In the present study, the safety of the near surface disposal facility for low-and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW) is examined based on the fluid-flow simulation model. The effects of the structural design and hydrological properties of the disposal system are quantitatively evaluated by estimating the flux of infiltrated water at the boundary of the structure. Additionally, the safety margins of the disposal system, especially for the cover layer and vault, are determined by applying the various scenarios with consideration of possible facility designs and precipitation conditions. The overall results suggest that the disposal system used in this study is sufficiently suitable for the safe operation of the facility. In addition, it is confirmed that the soundness of both the cover layer and the vault have great impact on the safety of the facility. Especially, as shown in the vault degradation scenario, capability of the concrete barrier of the vault make more positive contribution on the safe operation of the facility compared to that of the cover layer.