Containment structure and method of making same

Abstract

A containment structure and a method for making such structure requires the implementation of a plurality of a minimum of building elements. A plurality of panels are interconnected by connector columns in stacked relationship to generate a dual walled shell, adapted to receive concrete between the inner and outer walls thereof. Rebar and other appropriate reinforcing material may be appropriately positioned before the concrete is poured. Additionally, before pouring of the concrete, the mating connections of the panels and column connectors are fused together by the passing of electrical current through conductors received within such elements at their points of interconnection. The rising temperature melts the material of which the panels and column connectors are fabricated, causing them to fuse together. In one embodiment of the invention, a foam barrier is provided on either side of the resultant concrete cylinder. The foam is later removed by mechanical or chemical techniques and replaced with lead to achieve a containment structure for radioactive waste.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.