Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
As part of the evaluation of the safety of the geologic disposal of HLW glass, a new in situ test on α-active glass will be started up in the underground research facility HADES (SCK•CEN, Mol, Belgium), situated in the Boom Clay formation, at a depth of 223 m. Besides a demonstration of the safe disposal of HLW glass containers in Boom Clay formation, the overall objective of this CORALUS test (CORrosion of Active gLass in Underground Storage conditions) is to study the performance of active HLW glass specimens in direct contact with different types of backfill materials, under conditions as representative as possible for those expected to prevail in a geologic repository in the Boom Clay formation. In order to meet this objective, the CORALUS test will integrate not only the experience of previous in situ tests performed at SCK•CEN and other research institutes, but also the expertise of the cooperating institutes. The paper presents the motivation for this new in situ test, its objectives, and the current status of its design