Year
2005
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to define an approach to choosing an optimum rail route using risk-based analysis for the transport of spent nuclear fuel. In doing so, 4 routes from western Massachusetts to Caliente, NV, are analyzed. These routes are compared on the basis of their total distances, population, nonradiological fatalities, radiological incident-free fatalities, radiological accident fatalities and the number of major bridges and tunnels traversed. This analysis shows that the route that is the shortest while maximizing time spent on mainline track is the desired route. However due to the public’s concern about the exposure to radiation and especially exposures from accidents, it may appear to be desirable to avoid major urbanized areas (population > 50,000) if at all possible. This should not be done if the result would be a marked increase in miles spent on a lower class of rail due to the increased probability of a derailment and thus an increased chance of a radiological accident. The increased probability of derailment is due to the lower class of rail line not being able to handle repeatedly the weight of a spent nuclear fuel rail cask.