Title:
Recent Progresses in Concretes for Nuclear Waste and Uranium Waste Containment
Author(s):
Joseph Davidovits
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
16
Issue:
12
Appears on pages(s):
53-58
Keywords:
blast furnace slag; fly ash; microwaves; portland cements; radiation shielding; radioactivity; wastes; Materials Research
DOI:
Date:
12/1/1994
Abstract:
Nuclear and uranium wastes must be managed and disposed of in ways that insure the protection of people and the environment, now and in the future. This can be achieved by the use of one or more containment barriers to surround and isolate the wastes. Radioactive wastes can, in principle, be stored indefinitely, given continuing surveillance and maintenance of the storage facilities, including periodic rebuilding when needed. However, a fundamental principle of waste management is the avoidance of any undue burden on future generations. There is a broad international consensus that the best way to dispose of wastes is to use a combination of man-made concrete and natural barriers in a way that requires no further action to insure safety.