Abstract
The underground silo was constructed as a facility for the disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste. It is divided into three parts: the upper-dome core, the lower-dome core, and the cylindrical-space core. Numerical parametric studies on the stress distribution occurring in the surrounding rocks around the underground silo are presented in this paper. It is assumed that the soil layer was distributed to a depth of −4.3 m from the ground level, the weathered rocks were distributed to a depth of −9.5 m from the bottom of the soil layer, and the rocks were distributed in the lower part of the weathered rocks. A 2D axial symmetric finite element model was considered for the numerical analysis of the underground silo. A 3D finite element model was used to verify the reliability of the 2D axial symmetric model. Finite element analysis was carried out under various ratios of in situ horizontal stress to vertical stress (Ko). The numerical results obtained through these analyses include detailed stress states in the p–q and octahedral planes at key locations of finite element models around an underground silo. Contours of safety factor distributions are also presented to evaluate the overall structural safety of the surrounding rock mass, which is the main supporting body of the underground silo.
Highlights
In Korea, the Wolsong Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Center (WLDC) at Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang province has a plan to construct a facility with a total capacity of 800,000 drums
There has been little research on the stress distribution in the rocks around the underground silos used as low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW) disposal facilities [13]
The 3D finite element model of the analysis domain, which includes the underground silo ground silo was excavated in step-by-step stages when it was under construction
Summary
In Korea, the Wolsong Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Center (WLDC) at Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang province has a plan to construct a facility with a total capacity of 800,000 drums. The first phase of the facility, an underground silo for the disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW) with a capacity of 100,000 drums, was completed in 2014 (see Figure 2) [2,3,4]. Lowand intermediate-level radioactive waste must be managed safely and according to strict protocols for a certain period of time in accordance with government regulations and guidelines Such waste is permanently disposed of in the WLDC. Large-scale earthquakes occurred in 2016 and 2017 in Gyeongju and Pohang, respectively Both arears are near the WLDC, and interest in the stability of the underground silo increased significantly [11,12]. There has been little research on the stress distribution in the rocks around the underground silos used as LILW disposal facilities [13]. The soil layer was assumed to be −4.3 m deep from ground level, and the weathering rock was assumed
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