IMMOBILIZATION OF ¹³⁷Cs IN CONCRETE

Ilija Plecas

Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro

Abstract

To assess the safety for disposal of radioactive waste-cement-bentonite composition, the leaching of ¹³⁷Cs from a waste composite into a surrounding fluid has been studied. Leaching tests were carried out in accordance with a method recommended by IAEA. Determination of retardation factors, K_F and coefficients of distribution, k_d, using a simplified mathematical model for analyzing the migration of radionuclides, has been developed. Results presented in this paper are examples of results obtained in a 10 year mortar and concrete testing project, which will influence the design of the engineered trenches system for a future central radioactive waste disposal center.