The conceptual design for an underground spent nuclear fuel repository in Korea is completed by the collaboration between Sandia and KAERI (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute). The major factors that influenced the base case conceptual design include waste package size and weight, waste package thermal output, waste package receipt and emplacement rate(s), vertical borehole emplacement, and geologic setting of the conceptual repository in terms of rock type, water conditions, topography, and rock quality. Although not sited, the conceptual repository was designed to be located in granitic rock at a depth of nominally 500 m between two large fault zones which extend from the depth to the surface. The conceptual design of the geologic repository includes surface and underground operations and facilities, as well as access construction. The engineered barrier system, composed of waste forms, surrounding waste package, and buffer and backfill material, provides the primary containment and is protected by the natural barrier system.

Collaboration with Ken Sorenson, Susan Howarth, Ray Finley, Chul-hyung Kang* and Jongwon Choi* (*-KAERI).