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Modelling of the Evolution of Porewater Chemistry in a Cementitious Repository

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2011

A. Haworth
Affiliation:
Theoretical Physics Division, Harwell Laboratory, Oxfordshire, U.K.
S.M. Sharland
Affiliation:
Theoretical Physics Division, Harwell Laboratory, Oxfordshire, U.K.
C.J. Tweed
Affiliation:
Theoretical Physics Division, Harwell Laboratory, Oxfordshire, U.K.
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Abstract

The current concept for disposal of low- or intermediate-level nuclear waste in the UK includes a largely cementitious backfill. An important factor in determining nuclide release rates from the repository is the pH in the near-field. In this paper, we describe development of a coupled chemistry/transport model of cement degradation and its application in determining the evolution of the chemistry within the repository. In particular, the effect of the cement formulation and interaction with groundwater species on the evolution of the pH is examined. The model is sufficiently flexible to consider a number of different repository scenarios.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1990

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References

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