Risk and Reliability Analysis of Multibarrier System for Near-Surface Disposal Facilities

Abstract

The performance of near-surface disposal facilities (NSDFs) for low-level radioactive waste depends on the type of materials used in the construction of barrier system, the properties of geological formations around the facility, and the type of waste containment system. By taking into account the effect of the factors mentioned here, a mathematical model can be developed to evaluate the migration of contaminants and radionuclides (via the contaminant transport model) from NSDFs to the nearest geosphere and biosphere, and assess the performance of the whole system. The model for migration of contaminants in a multibarrier system is considered in this paper for the safety assessment of NSDFs. The model considers scenarios during dumping period, after the dumping period, and after the closure of the NSDF. The annual radiation dose due to a radionuclide through drinking water pathway (for the single dump mode and multiple dump mode) is evaluated with the model. In the present work, a comprehensive analysis is carried out to estimate the radiation dose of seven radionuclides (