Assessing the Radioactivity in Materials used for Small Modular Reactors Construction
Small modular reactors are reshaping Canada’s nuclear landscape. The materials chosen to build them play a critical role in future regulation, reuse and decommissioning.
Assessing the Radioactivity in Materials Used for SMR Construction (ARMSC) Report
Prepared by Calian
Presented to Natural Resources Canada – SMR Enabling Fund
Why This Report Matters
While most materials used in nuclear facilities can be reused or recycled, naturally occurring radioactivity can complicate material classification and increase future characterization costs if it is not addressed early.
The ARMSC approach supports:
- Clearer pathways for material reuse and recycling
- Reduced uncertainty in decommissioning surveys
- Improved activation modelling and radionuclide inventories
- Greater confidence in regulatory decision-making
Key Technical Insights
The ARMSC guidance outlines:
- Standardized sampling and analysis methods
For NORM and anthropogenic radionuclides in concrete and structural steel - Baseline reference data
To support future material characterization during decommissioning - Early identification of higher-activity materials
Helping avoid issues with unrestricted regulatory release - Supply chain sampling strategies
Across mining, fabrication and installation for in-situ and laboratory characterization
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