Publications

RANGERS: State of the Art and Science on Engineered Barrier Systems in Salt Formations

Simo, Eric K.; Herold, Philipp H.; Keller, Andreas K.; Lommerzheim, Andree L.; Matteo, Edward N.; Hadgu, Teklu H.; Jayne, Richard S.; Kuhlman, Kristopher L.; Mills, Melissa M.

The construction of deep geological repositories (DGR) in salt formations requires penetrating through naturally sealing geosphere layers. While the emplaced nuclear waste is primarily protected by the containment-providing rock zone (CRZ), technical barriers are required, for example during handling. For closure geotechnical barriers seal the repository along the accesses against water or solutions from outside and the possible emission paths for radionuclides contained inside. As these barriers must ensure maintenance-free function on a long-term basis, they typically comprise a set of specialized elements with diversified functions that may be used redundantly. The effects of the individual elements are coordinated so that they are collectively referred to as the Engineered Barrier System (EBS).