High Level Waste Disposal in Salt
Date: Wednesday, September 30
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Place: WEB L102
There will be light refreshments afterwards.
Please plan on attending this seminar. It could really impact your industrial and research attitudes. Dr. Frank Hansen is a Senior Scientist at Sandia National Laboratories.
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PLEASE RSVP – THIS WILL BE INTERACTIVE AND WE WOULD LIKE A LIST OF PARTICIPANTS IN ADVANCE (RSVP – jmclennan@egi.utah.edu)
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Abstract:
Dr. Hansen will describe high level waste disposal in salt. He will summarize the unique mechanical characteristics of salt that encourage its use in underground repositories. There are a number of methods that can be used to install high level waste and ensure that the repository is sealed appropriately. There is significant international interest in using abundant salt formations as subsurface repositories. SNL has been a leader in developing these. Sandia National Laboratories also played a pivotal role in bringing on line the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, NM. SNL has led the way in performing sophisticated experimentation at WIPP – unique large scale in-situ tests. R&D collaboration is described.
Biography:
Dr. Frank Hansen holds a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering and a Ph.D. in Geology/Tectonophysics. He has nearly 40 years of experience in repository sciences and has contributed significant original research in rock mechanics to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, helping reduce uncertainty in performance assessment with practical engineering and providing the bridge from science to compliance. His team developed the shaft seal system design and analysis. He provided leadership in engineering and rock mechanics, developed specialty materials such as salt-based concrete and reconsolidated salt, designed panel closure systems, characterized rock properties of the disturbed rock zone , measured material properties, and presented and defended these works in a rigorous regulatory environment. He developed the performance confirmation programs at WIPP and the Yucca Mountain Project. He has been awarded the U.S. Rock Mechanics Applied Research Award and is currently a Senior Scientist at Sandia National Laboratories. He has published over 150 citable research papers and technical reports, is a registered professional engineer and an ASCE Fellow.