Engineered Barrier Systems in the Context of the Entire Safety Case, Workshop Proceedings

Repositories for the disposal of radioactive waste generally rely on a multi-barrier system to isolate the waste from the biosphere. This multi-barrier principle creates an overall system robustness that enhances confidence that the waste will be successfully contained. The multi-barrier system typically comprises the natural (geological) barrier provided by the repository host rock and its surroundings, and an engineered barrier system (EBS). Ensuring that an EBS will perform its desired functions requires integration of site-characterisation data, data on waste properties, data on engineering properties of potential barrier materials, in situ and laboratory testing, and modelling.