In environments where buffer materials are exposed to increased temperature due to the decay heat emitted by radioactive waste, it is crucial to assess the performance of the buffer material in relation to temperature effects. In this study, we conducted experiments using Bentonil-WRK, a calcium-type bentonite, compacted to a dry density of 1.65 g/cm3 and an initial water content of 15%. The experimental temperature conditions were set to 30, 60, 90, 110, and 130°C. We observed that the swelling pressure of the compacted bentonite buffer decreased as the temperature increased. The findings from this study can provide valuable guidance for the design of high-level waste repository in Korea.

• Deuk-Hwan Lee(Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI))
• Gi-Jun Lee(Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI)) Corresponding author
• Seok Yoon(Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI))
• Changsoo Lee(Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI))
• Dong-Keun Cho(Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI))