Innovtive Designs for Low-Level Nuclear Waste Disposal Trenches

by Edward A. Nowatzki, Univ of Arizona, Dep of Civil, Engineering & Engineering, Mechanics, Tucson, AZ, USA,
Glenn Armstrong, Univ of Arizona, Dep of Civil, Engineering & Engineering, Mechanics, Tucson, AZ, USA,
James McCray, Univ of Arizona, Dep of Civil, Engineering & Engineering, Mechanics, Tucson, AZ, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Transition in the Nuclear Industry

Abstract:

Shallow land burial of low-level nuclear wastes presents many problems that are within the scope of civil engineering analysis and design. This paper presents the results of a U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) sponsored research project conducted at The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, to assess trench cap design from the viewpoint of stability, water, infiltration, and economy. Full-scale trenches were constructed that incorporated four different designs. These designs range from a relatively simple cap consisting of engineered backfill with a sloping, compacted soil crown to a more complex cap-crown system that incorporates compacted backfill and a steel reinforced soil-cement cap with an overlaying 'wick' drain.

Subject Headings: Radioactive wastes | Waste disposal | Trenches | Soil stabilization | Compacted soils | Backfills | Compaction (material)

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