Proposition of Confirmation Items on the Borehole Sealing for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Abstract

In order to confirm the quality control items for borehole closure in radioactive waste disposal projects, in-situ borehole sealing tests using bentonite material were conducted. As a result, the closure performance was successfully demonstrated by comparing the data of water injection tests conducted before and after the installation of the closure material. The placement and specifications of the closure material should be determined according to the hydrogeological structure in the borehole. The confirmation items to use bentonite for sealing material are identified to be: to consider swelling and density loss in the borehole; to place the planned depth using appropriate emplacement technique; to be placed without damage to seals when use some backfilling materials, considering effect of permeability on adjacent seals. However, the breakthrough was observed after closing, probably due to high differential pressure applied to the seal section. Therefore, under conditions of high differential pressure, measures should be taken to prevent sealing material from moving.