Guidelines on interim performance constraints for radioactive waste disposal in crystalline rock

Interim performance constraints have been developed for preliminary design analyses of a radioactive waste repository in crystalline rock. The approach taken in defining these constraints was to consider the thermal, thermomechanical, and thermochemical beavior for three regions of the repository (very-near field, near field, and far field) during three time periods (operational, containment, and isolation). Physical, thermal, and mechanical limits are proposed. These may be required to support the repository performance objectives defined by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 10 CFR Part 60, Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes in Geologic Repositories, in particular those related to barrier performance after permanent closure (10 CFR 60.113). The performance constraints represent the informed judgment of a Working Group whose members are knowledgeable in matters relating to design of a repository in crystalline rock. The constraints are intended for use in early design studies and will be revised as analytical and experimental information to support revision becomes available