A considerable level of international experience has been gained over the last decades in designing radioactive waste disposal facilities. This publication is intended to assist Member States in planning for the disposal of radioactive waste. Specifically, this publication describes the approaches and principles to be considered by the responsible organizations within a Member State involved in the planning and design of radioactive waste disposal facilities. Examples are provided for all waste classes requiring disposal. The examples are based on successfully implemented designs or on design concepts that are sufficiently advanced to demonstrate their overall feasibility for the safe disposal of radioactive waste. Alternate disposal options are also discussed, describing solutions that rely on the conversion of existing facilities, such as mines or other underground openings as well as the potential for disposal in boreholes.

• 1. Introduction
  • 1.1. Background
  • 1.2. Scope
  • 1.3. Objective
  • 1.4. Structure
• 2. THE REPOSITORY Design process
  • 2.1. Basic considerations
  • 2.2. Repository design and evaluation cycle
  • 2.3. Waste inventory
    • 2.3.1. Waste classification
    • 2.3.2. Predisposal waste processing and packaging
  • 2.4. Repository design inputs and outputs
  • 2.5. Repository functional systems and layout
• 3. Design principles and stages
  • 3.1. Design principles
    • 3.1.1. Requirements driven design basis
    • 3.1.2. Multiple barrier safety concept
    • 3.1.3. Safe, reliable, available and maintainable technology
    • 3.1.4. Iteratively developed and optimized designs
    • 3.1.5. Maintenance of design integrity
    • 3.1.6. Transparent and traceable design
    • 3.1.7. Nuclear safeguards and security integrated design
  • 3.2. Design stages
    • 3.2.1. Generic designs
    • 3.2.2. Conceptual designs for siting
    • 3.2.3. Technical design for construction licensing
    • 3.2.4. Detailed design for construction and operation
    • 3.2.5. Continued detailed design for repository operation and expansion
    • 3.2.6. Design for closure
• 4. Examples of operational or advanced repository designs
  • 4.1. Earthen trenches
    • 4.1.1. General considerations
    • 4.1.2. Disposal concept
    • 4.1.3. Representative examples
  • 4.2. Near surface engineered structures
    • 4.2.1. General considerations
    • 4.2.2. Disposal concept
    • 4.2.3. Representative examples
  • 4.3. Subsurface disposal systems at intermediate depths
    • 4.3.1. General considerations
    • 4.3.2. Disposal concept
    • 4.3.3. Representative examples
  • 4.4. Disposal in deep stable geological formations
    • 4.4.1. General considerations
    • 4.4.2. Disposal concept
    • 4.4.3. Representative examples
  • 4.5. Other disposal solutions
    • 4.5.1. Adapting existing underground facilities
    • 4.5.2. Borehole disposal
• 5. CONCLUSION
• REFERENCES
• ABREVIATIONS
• CONTRIBUTORS TO DRAFTING AND REVIEW