ABSTRACT
To close the discussions in this book on the fundamental aspects of clay properties and their requirements and performance as engineered clay buffers and barriers in multi-barrier systems, we have chosen to focus on safety assessment in this chapter instead of the more traditional risk management treatment. The issues of concern in any design, construction and performance venture must always be directed towards the safe performance of the particular venture. The same holds true for engineered clay buffers and barriers in multi-barrier systems. These clay buffers and barriers, which are only one part of a multi-barrier system that is designed to contain high-level radioactive waste (HLW) and/or hazardous solid waste (HSW), must perform according to their designed purpose, as the overall safety of the multi-barrier requires the safe performance of each of its components.
