UHPC Viability for Nuclear Storage Facilities: Synthesis and Critical Review of Durability, Thermal, and Nuclear Properties for Informed Mix Modifications

Abstract

Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from the United States’ nuclear power plants has been placed in dry cask storage systems since the 1980s. Due to the lack of a clear path for permanent geological repository for SNF, consolidated and long-term storage solutions that use durable concrete and avoid current aging and licensing challenges are becoming indispensable. Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a rapidly growing advanced concrete solution with superior mechanical and durability properties that can help realize future resilient nuclear storage facilities. Thus, the overall goal of this review study is to demonstrate the viability of UHPC as a long-term solution for future nuclear storage facilities. The paper first identifies all possible non-nuclear (environmental) and nuclear (thermal and radiation-induced) degradation mechanisms in concrete overpacks and storage modules with critical assessment and projections on UHPC performance in comparison to current conventional concrete solutions. Next, since concrete serves as a shielding material in nuclear settings, the preliminary attenuation properties of UHPC from emerging studies are synthesized along with the possible mix modifications to improve its attenuation performance. The paper identifies the major knowledge gaps to inform future research and development, aimed at rethinking the design of SNF dry storage facilities by incorporating UHPC.