Tunnel and Underground SpaceISSN:1225-1275(Print) 2287-1748(Online)한국암반공학회

For the safe design and construction of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) disposal facilities, it is essential to accurately characterize the mechanical properties of the rock mass at the disposal site. This study presents methods for estimating and verifying the Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS), a key evaluation parameter during the site characterization stage of site selection, to ensure its reliability. We conducted a comparative analysis of domestic and international standard test methods (ASTM, ISRM, KS, KSRM) for UCS and identified quality control factors across the entire process, from specimen preparation and testing to result reporting. Specifically, using granite drill cores from the Wonju area as a case study, we examined error verification of the measurement systems and methods for quantifying natural uncertainties. Furthermore, based on international precedents, we discussed methods for ensuring the representativeness of design parameters by applying statistical techniques, such as calculating 95% confidence intervals using the Central Limit Theorem. The verification methods proposed in this study are expected to serve as a versatile methodology for estimating and validating evaluation parameters in other fields beyond mechanical properties like UCS.