To validate the performance of buffer materials for the high-level radioactive waste disposal in Korea, understanding the properties of domestic buffer materials is a prerequisite. Bentonites are to be used as buffer materials in a geological repository designed to host high-level radioactive wastes. Under the repository conditions, the long-term behavior of bentonites in the engineered barrier system is of crucial importance in the geological timescale safety assessment as well as safety cases. The approach based on a natural analogue study can provide insights into the longevity of the bentonites. As a preliminary study, we have investigated the fundamental properties of the bentonites around the Gampo area in Kyungju, which is in the southeast part of South Korea. The mineralogical and chemical compositions and the cation exchange capacities of the samples obtained from four different bentonite mines were analyzed and compared. The samples possess slightly different properties and their cation exchange capacity becomes larger with respect to the bentonite contents. We note that the interactions and corresponding effects between bentonite and surrounding rocks are observed. A potential natural analogue study site for Korean bentonite is determined to be newer bentonite mines around Gampo area with consideration of bentonite mine development. The information derived herein will further provide insights and perspectives in natural analogues studies for radioactive waste disposal in Korea.<br/>

Preliminary study on Korean bentonite: Supporting safety cases for radioactive waste disposal by means of providing the basis for use of natural analogues study

251st National Meeting (2016)

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