EBS modelling for the development of repository concepts tailored to siting environments

Ishiguro, Katsuhiko*; Ueda, Hiroyoshi*; Wakasugi, Keiichiro*; Sakabe, Yasushi*; Kitayama, Kazumi*; Umeki, Hiroyuki; Takase, Hiroyasu*

Japanese siting approach calls for volunteer host municipalities for an HLW repository and places particular emphasis on design flexibility. The repository concept should be developed to be tailored to the given siting environments. Starting from the H12 repository concept, NUMO has been examining a range of possible repository design options including EBS. The requirements and strategy of model development for performance assessment and process understanding have been discussed taking into account the step-wise, iterative process of development of repository concepts. The areas further to develop the models and databases in the long-term R&D programme have been identified as a wish list in order to evaluate a range of potential repository concepts, focusing on the near-field for the early stages of development process. Among the issues in the list, NUMO has started the development of a flexible computer code for three-dimensional mass transport model to evaluate various design options and components of the EBS. This tool has been applied for the analysis of the barrier effects of the tunnel plugs placed in fractured rock media.