Case study · Resource management

Radioactive waste: 25 sites, 35 years, one model

Government logistics: with Sandia, SDI built a supply chain model to plan disposal of radioactive waste from 25 sites over 35 years.

Summary

In response to the accelerated cleanup goals of the Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratory (Sandia) has developed and utilized a number of simulation models to represent the processing, transportation, and disposal of radioactive waste. Sandia, in conjunction with Simulation Dynamics, has developed a supply chain model of the cradle to grave management of radioactive waste. Sandia has used this model to assist the Department of Energy in developing a cost effective, regulatory compliant and efficient approach to dispose of waste from 25 sites across the country over the next 35 years.

TRU Waste System Model Map

Paper

Simulation of Waste Processing, Transportation, and Disposal Operations; Janis Trone, Angela Guerin, Sandia National Labs; Amber Clay, Simulation Dynamics. 2000 Winter Simulation Conference.

Strategic Assessment

The following provides links to articles within this document that address strategic assessment issues related to this case study:

  • Long term resource requirements
    This model was used to assess transport and storage resources required to meet Department of Energy goals for TRU-Waste disposal over a 35 year period.

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