Solidification of Swiss radioactive wastes by means of bitumen

This report summarizes literature research work up to 1984/85 on properties of bitumen and bituminized radioactive waste. It characterizes particularly such bituminized wastes which are generated in the Swiss nuclear power programme. Radioactive co-precipitates and sludges originating from reprocessing of fuel elements and concentrates from the Nuclear Power Station at Goesgen (CH) are conditioned using bitumen. Data on reprocessing wastes are preliminary since corresponding data are not yet definitive. The report deals with chemical and physical properties. Radiation resistance, long-term behaviour, leaching of radionuclides in water and resistance to heat are additional topics of the study. Finally the report contains estimates of amounts of bituminized radioactive wastes which are to be disposed of as a consequence of the Swiss nuclear energy programme (based on the Project Gewaehr scenario of 240 GWe.a). (author) 89 refs., 47 tabs