Validation of the optimal construction and thickness of the cover for a near-surface radwaste repository

The construction of the top engineered barrier of a near-surface repository is developed and validated. Thermophysical calculations are performed to estimate the zone of seasonal freezing of the cover structure. The optimal thickness of a multifunctional coating is validated. The multifunctional cover structure has successfully passed an experimental-industrial check under natural conditions. Computational and experimental investigations have shown that the development of a multifunctional seven-layer cover for a near-surface repository makes it possible to arrange a positive temperature field inside the structure year round irrespective of the outside air temperature. Thus, the repository structure and the wastes will be reliably protected from freezing and the destructive effect of temperature-induce deformations.