Nuclear Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-13-2025

Abstract

Deep borehole disposal is an emerging concept which involves disposing of radioactive

waste in boreholes several kilometers deep then backfilling to minimize radionuclide

transport and distribute weight. Unfortunately, little documentation exists on borehole

safety case development, especially for pre-closure operations. This study aims to close

this gap by proposing a graded approach matrix based on consequence, maturity, and

complexity. Two case studies are used to demonstrate this application: Hanford CsCl

capsules and spent PWR assemblies. Simulations are used to predict potential for dose

exposure, revealing CsCl capsules have a much higher potential for being above the 5

rem public dose exposure regulation, with exceedance for a waste package containing 18

CsCl capsules between .13 and 3.5 km. Sensitivity analyses reveal weather related input

parameters dominate uncertainty, and therefore a site-specific study is recommended for

future work. This study may be helpful to inform the regulatory framework for borehole

disposal.

Keywords

borehole, waste

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Nuclear Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Nuclear Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Neven Ali

Second Committee Member

Minghui Chen

Third Committee Member

Osman Anderoglu_

Fourth Committee Member

Sakineh Chabi

Fifth Committee Member

Geoffrey Freeze

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