KAERI underground research laboratory: Overview of in-situ experiments

Abstract

Social concerns regarding the safety of high-level radioactive waste have increased with growing public awareness of environmental issues and nuclear power. The performance assessment of deep geological disposal systems is crucial to reduce the uncertainties associated with high-level radioactive waste disposal and enhance the overall public confidence in nuclear safety. Accordingly, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has undertaken various studies on the development of a deep geological disposal system for high-level waste and disposal safety evaluation. The KAERI Underground Research Tunnel (KURT), South Korea's only underground research laboratory dedicated to radioactive waste disposal, was constructed in 2006 and expanded in 2015. Since its construction, numerous in-situ experiments have been conducted and are currently underway in the KURT. The KURT plays a significant role in assessing the feasibility, safety, stability and appropriateness of a deep geological disposal system in South Korea and also provides an opportunity to revitalize industrial-academic-scientific cooperation between related institutions. This report summarizes two key in-situ experiments and international joint research conducted between 2007 and 2017 to assess the performance of the engineered and natural barriers of the KURT. The research experiences from the in-situ tests conducted at the KURT will provide crucial information on the safety and feasibility validation of the deep geological disposal system and will be an important contributor to the success of the Korean high-level radioactive waste disposal program in the future.