Performance of Clay Materials Constituting to Safety Barriers in Radiation Hazardous Facilities

Abstract

The paper elaborates on the characteristics of clays and clay materials governing functional properties (performance) of clay barriers. It considers methods applied to identify these characteristics with relevant examples being provided Criteria were proposed to select the required and sufficient numerical values of these characteristics (requirements) considered appropriate for the barrier materials. The paper discusses operating and envisaged test installations designed for mock-up and field tests of clay barrier materials.