Caring for disused nuclear power plants

EIR studies are being made among other things of the break-down of the biological shield of light water reactors and in particular the break-down of the reactor island of the former research reactor DIORIT. In selecting a method for disassembly of the concrete structures the use of a wire saw has also been examined. To gain experience two concrete test pieces - representing respectively the concrete and reinforcement of the DIORIT biological shield and the biological shield of the Beznau nuclear plants - have undergone cutting trials. The results show that the wire saw can be economically used to cut not only Baryte concrete and cast iron (thermal shield of DIORIT) but also the reinforced concrete of Beznau. (Auth.)