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U.S. Department of Energy
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Performance assessment in the repository design process

Conference · · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6885649
In 1976 the US Office of Management and Budget directed through circular A109 that major US Dept. of Defense programs be conducted using a systems engineering process. This process is now being implemented by the US Dept. of Energy for the High-Level Nuclear Waste Management Program. A systems engineering process coupled with quantitative numerical performance assessments is being applied to Bechtel's design activities for the geologic repository project. Our systems engineering process involves an iterative approach in which the results of a design phase, be it conceptual, advanced conceptual, license application, the final procurement and construction design, or an as-built design are assessed and analyzed using performance assessment practices to determine if the assessment results or the dose consequences meet the basic waste management system mission requirements and also protect the public health and safety. The performance assessments aid in guiding the engineering design process, establishing realistic design requirements, enhancing the overall safety in the design, and verifying that the mission objectives can be met. This paper discusses the iterative performance assessment practices being developed and applied to Bechtel's geologic repository activities. Several illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the performance assessment process.
OSTI ID:
6885649
Report Number(s):
CONF-8711195-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 55
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English