Publications Details
Initial reference seal system design: Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) sealing program results are embodied in the initial seal system strategy and reference design. The design provides a common basis for calculations and analyses so that results can be compared directly. The sealing strategy combines both long- and short-term seal components. Crushed salt is the principal long-term barrier to fluid flow. Short-term seal components are used until creep consolidation is sufficient. Concretes developed specifically for WIPP seals and a swelling clay material that exhibits low permeability to WIPP groundwater and brine have been chosen for the short-term components. A body of evidence exists showing the stability of these materials for the length of time they are required to function. Reference designs are described and drawings are shown for each of the principal multi-component seals. Confidence in the sealing strategy and the reference designs resulted from a combination of laboratory tests, numerical modeling, and in situ demonstrations. The sealing strategy, materials, and designs for the WIPP repository are consistent with the concepts and designs proposed previously for other national and international waste management programs. Past accomplishments and planned activities in the sealing program will produce a detailed conceptual design for the seal system and a seal system performance model. 48 refs., 11 figs., 6 tabs.