Review of Seismic Studies for the Prospective Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository

摘要

The findings of a review of various seismic studies of the US Department of Energy's Nevada Test Site, prepared in anticipation of the possible selection of the site as the location of a nuclear waste repository, are documented. Ground motion characterizations for earthquakes and underground nuclear explosions are evaluated for adequacy in designing a waste-storage facility and in meeting licensing requirements of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Other key components of the seismic design criteria are also reviewed: identification of structures, systems, and components that are important to safety; establishment of performance criteria; and prediction of seismic effects. Most of the major elements of the seismic design criteria are at least partially developed; some need further work. Recommendations for work that is necessary to achieve adequate seismic design criteria for both repository design and licensing, as well as recommendations for work that would be beneficial to the design and licensing processes, are made. One major recommendation is that accident scenarios be analyzed to identify structures, systems, and components of the repository that will be important for protection of the public. Performance criteria for these structures need to be defined and stated in engineering terms. Another major recommendation is that subregional seismicity be reassessed for use in evaluating seismic hazards at the Yucca Mountain site. (ERA citation 11:021136)