CNSC regulatory research – mechanics of sedimentary rocks

An abstract of the technical presentation presented at:
Technical information exchange meeting with the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI)
May 13, 2016
Brugg, Switzerland

Prepared by:
T.S. Nguyen
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Many countries, including Canada, are considering sedimentary rocks as one of the potential host formations for the deep geological disposal of nuclear wastes. In order to assess the safety of current and future geological disposal proposals in such rocks, the CNSC is developing independent expertise though a scientific research program on the long-term behaviour of the rocks as barriers against radionuclide migration. The research currently focuses on the physical processes that govern the formation of excavation damage zones (EDZ) and gas and water movement in the rocks. Using experimental data from laboratory and underground research facilities, the CNSC developed and validated mathematical models to determine the extent and characteristics of the EDZ and to assess how they influence groundwater and gas movement.

To obtain a copy of the abstract’s document, please contact us at cnsc.info.ccsn@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or call 613-995-5894 or 1-800-668-5284 (in Canada). When contacting us, please provide the title and date of the abstract.