Active facility management strategy for containment of ILW using risk-based service life modelling of reinforced concrete to incorporate in-service cracking

Abstract

An Intermediate Level Waste Store facility for on-site waste storage is under construction to contain arisings from historic operations of the Hunterston 'A' NPS, Ayrshire. This paper updates previous a durability design strategy for reinforced concrete structures used in long-term storage (>100 years) of nuclear waste that incorporates design-limit flexural cracking. The approach, utilising probabilistic modelling of deterioration and reliability methods, gives greater flexibility to the decision-making process for management of concrete structures depending on the balance chosen between acceptable risk and maintenance philosophy. The results are compared with contemporary UK Codes concerning durability of reinforced concrete.