Non-destructive structural analysis of test rocks from the area of the Baita Bihor National Radioactive Waste Repository, Romania

The mineral composition and spatial distribution of the inner structures of several fragments of rock samples from the site of the storage of radioactive wastes at the National Repository for Low and Intermediate Radioactive Waste (Băița-Bihor, Romania) were studied using neutron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, as well as neutron and X-ray tomography. These techniques were used to assess the structural characteristics that could affect the efficiency and durability of the disposal storage system. The experimental data obtained from the analysis of the dominant minerals, their tentative assignments, spatial distributions, and volume fractions were used to understand the context of the material present at the site.