In Brazil the highest amount of waste generated is low and medium level of radiation. Its management and final destination is important for society and the solution, proposed by the government, involves the construction of a National Repository for Radioactive Waste. Using Virtual Reality (VR), this article aims to develop an interactive virtual model of the repository to assist in the study, evaluation, training of personnel and planning of the installation to be implemented. The method was divided into four steps. The first, called "Requirements Specification and Survey", aimed at acquiring information about the terrain and future buildings of the installation in the real world. The next step, known as "Modeling the Environment" is the construction of the virtual environment itself according to the specifications of the previous method. The third, called "Functionality Implementation" consists of inserting functionalities into the system, such as performing some tasks present in the repository. Finally, the last step is the interactive virtual model of the national repository for radioactive waste, with this tool users can study, evaluate and train conditions/situations of the installation. In conclusion, the results have shown that the tool presented in this work is a possible application of the VR for dissemination and training in nuclear installations. Using this tool, users can visualize and plan strategies to be carried out in a repository, without interrupting the operation of the installation. It can be used for training and operations simulations, aiming to improve the processes without exposing the operators to the radiation

AVELLAR, Ricardo Fernandes de

LEGEY, Ana Paula

MACHADO, Daniel Mol

MOL, Antônio Carlos A.

SANTO, André Cotelli do E.

Carpe dIEN

2017 International Nuclear Atlantic Conference - INAC 2017 
Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, October 22-27, 2017 
ASSOCIAÇÃO BRASILEIRA DE ENERGIA NUCLEAR – ABEN 
 
 
 
Use of Virtual Reality for the development of a Nuclear Waste 
Repository for Training 
 
Ricardo Fernandes de Avellar 
3
, André Cotelli do E. Santo 
2
, Antônio Carlos A. 
Mól 
1,2
, Daniel Mol Machado
4
, Ana Paula Legey
 2
,  
 
1
 Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear (IEN / CNEN - RJ) 
Rua Hélio de Almeida, 75 
21941-906 – Rio de Janeiro, RJ 
mol@ien.gov.br 
 
2
  Centro Universitário Carioca (UniCarioca) 
Avenida Paulo de Frontin, 568 
20261-243 – Rio de Janeiro, RJ 
cotelli.andre@gmail.com 
 
3
 Bolsista PCI -  IEN/CNEN 
Cidade Universitária - R. Hélio de Almeida, 75 
Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro - RJ 
ricardo.arq2017@gmail.com 
 
4
 Bolsista TCT -  IEN/CNEN 
Cidade Universitária - R. Hélio de Almeida, 75 
Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro - RJ 
machado.mol@gmail.com 
 
 
ABSTRACT 
 
In Brazil the highest amount of waste generated is low and medium level of radiation. Its management 
and final destination is important for society and the solution, proposed by the government, involves the 
construction of a National Repository for Radioactive Waste. Using Virtual Reality (VR), this article 
aims to develop an interactive virtual model of the repository to assist in the study, evaluation, training of 
personnel and planning of the installation to be implemented. The method was divided into four steps. 
The first, called "Requirements Specification and Survey", aimed at acquiring information about the 
terrain and future buildings of the installation in the real world. The next step, known as "Modeling the 
Environment" is the construction of the virtual environment itself according to the specifications of the 
previous method. The third, called "Functionality Implementation" consists of inserting functionalities 
into the system, such as performing some tasks present in the repository. Finally, the last step is the 
interactive virtual model of the national repository for radioactive waste, with this tool users can study, 
evaluate and train conditions/situations of the installation. In conclusion, the results have shown that the 
tool presented in this work is a possible application of the VR for dissemination and training in nuclear 
installations. Using this tool, users can visualize and plan strategies to be carried out in a repository, 
without interrupting the operation of the installation. It can be used for training and operations 
simulations, aiming to improve the processes without exposing the operators to the radiation. 
 
 
 
1. INTRODUCTION 
 
A program for the use of nuclear energy to generate electricity called the Programa 
Nuclear Brasileiro (PNB) is under development and its objective is to build at least four 
more nuclear power plants in the Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil by 2030 [8]. 
With the growth of the energy sector in Brazil for the next years, the issue of radioactive 
  
 
INAC 2017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 
waste is highlighted, which motivates government actions to solve problems related to 
its storage [6]. According to CNEN resolution nº. 112 of 2011, the various sectors that 
generate radioactive waste are responsible for its management. This radioactive waste 
management covers the operations that begin in their generation and ends with their 
disposal in a repository, with the main objective to safely managing nuclear waste in 
order to protect man and the nature of negative impacts [1]. 
 
One of CNEN's priority projects is the repository for radioactive waste with low and 
medium radiation levels, which is directly related to the final deposition of radioactive 
waste generated in the national territory. This project is part of the solution for the 
deposition of radioactive waste generated by nuclear energy activities in the country, 
and has as its objective the implementation of the Brazilian repository, from conception 
to its construction. 
 
Considering that these facilities store radioactive waste, it is very useful to create 
methods and techniques that allow the study and evaluation of these repositories, even 
before their actual construction, in order to assist in its design. In addition, it is also 
important to disclose to the public the importance of the repository's existence, the 
mode of operation, and the security criteria involved. Therefore, it would be of great 
importance to create tools that can assist in the prior planning of activities to be carried 
out in the areas subject to radiation, so that the limits of radioactive safety are respected. 
One of the possible ways to accomplish these tasks is through the use of Virtual Reality 
(VR). Virtual environments have some advantages, among them: (i) attractive to the 
public, because it allows them to feel immersed in the environments without being 
exposed to any risk; (ii) allows simulations and evaluations of facilities not yet built in 
the real world, or that may be difficult to access; (iii) allows the estimation of radiation 
doses absorbed by workers; (iv) does not expose workers to any radiation level in 
performing simulations and training, posing no risk to their health; (v) contributes to a 
better planning of the activities in these areas, measuring the doses received and 
consequently evaluating the health risks. 
 
Using virtual reality techniques, this article aims to develop an interactive virtual model 
of the repository for radioactive waste to assist in the study, evaluation, training of 
personnel and planning of the installation to be implemented.  
 
 
2. THEORETICAL FOUNDATION 
 
2.1. Virtual Reality 
 
Recently, Virtual Reality, also known as VR, can be considered a technology with 
enormous potential and applicability in several areas of human knowledge, being 
possible to use it from training to simulations and virtual experiments. And every day, it 
is possible to find new applications for this immersive tool. 
 
The VR allows the integration of three basic ideas: involvement, immersion and 
interactivity. Involvement can be seen as the degree of user motivation with the activity 
performed, immersion is associated with perception, feeling of being present in the 
environment and the interaction of the user with the possibility of manipulating virtual 
objects [7]. 
  
 
INAC 2017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 
The set of technologies, techniques and interface modes that allow the sensitive 
integration between a computer system, the user and the immersion in a virtual 
environment can be called Virtual Reality [7]. 
 
2.1.1. Virtual Environments 
 
In this environment is where virtual reality simulation occurs, in addition to where the 
representative scenarios are constructed. Virtual environments can be considered 
scenarios where it is possible, through an avatar (representation of a person in a virtual 
environment), to move in the virtual world, interacting with elements, objects and even 
with other users [5]. 
 
2.2. Autodesk 3ds Max 
 
Autodesk 3ds Max consists of a modeling tool that aims to be a complete solution not 
only in modeling but also in 3D rendering, animation and simulations, thus meeting the 
needs of various computer graphics professionals in the development of various 
applications, such as games, virtual mockups, movies, animations, etc. [4]. With great 
acceptance in today's computer graphics market, 3ds Max (Fig. 1) is one of the leading 
proprietary tools for 3D modeling.  
 
 
 
Figure 1: Autodesk 3ds Max modeling tool. 
 
2.3. Unity 3D 
 
Unity 3D, Fig. 2, consists of a robust three-dimensional game core, complemented by a 
variety of functions required to develop virtual games or scenarios, such as libraries for 
the insertion of physics into environments, lighting and audio. Regarding portability, 
this software has as strong characteristic its plurality of platforms. Because of this, the 
developer does not have to worry about the peculiarities of each operating system or 
hardware, since Unity makes all the necessary adjustments to this compatibility [3].  
 
 
  
 
INAC 2017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 
 
 
Figure 2: Unity 3D interface. 
 
 
3. METHODOLOGY 
 
The method proposed in this paper is divided into four steps. The first, called 
"Requirements Specification and Survey", aimed at acquiring information about the 
terrain and future buildings of the installation in the real world. In the second stage, 
known as "Modeling the Environment", consists of the construction of the virtual 
environment itself according to the specifications of the previous method. For this 
purpose, Unity is used to create terrain and Autodesk 3ds Max software for creating 
objects, such as buildings. The third step, called "Functionality Implementation", 
consists of inserting functionalities into the system using the Unity 3D game core, such 
as performing some tasks present in the repository, creating virtual characters and a 
multiuser system.. Finally, the last step was the interactive virtual model of the national 
repository for radioactive waste, with this tool users can study, evaluate and train 
conditions/situations of the installation. 
 
 3.1 Requirements Specification and Survey 
 
Initially, a survey was made of the real physical characteristics and topographic images 
of nuclear facilities, used as repository for radioactive waste, which served as the basis 
for virtual modeling. For this purpose, research was carried out with the objective of 
reproducing the basic characteristics present in this type of installation. 
 
The L'Aube Repository [2] was used as an example for the assembly of the virtual 
scenario, due to the similarity of its physical characteristics with the repository. Figure 3 
(a, b) show topographic images of the facility that was chosen for study, while Fig. 4 (a, 
b) demonstrates the buildings present in this repository, which served as a basis for 
modeling. 
 
  
 
INAC 2017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 
    
(a)       (b) 
 
Figure 3 (a, b):  Topographic images of the L'Aube Repository [2]. 
 
             
    
     (a)       (b) 
 
Figure 4 (a, b): Existing buildings in the L'Aube Repository [2]. 
 
3.2. Modeling the Environment 
 
3.2.1. Modeling of buildings 
 
The modeling of the buildings was done in Autodesk 3ds Max software, Fig. 5. Only 
the facades of the buildings were modeled. The technique used was Poly Modeling, 
which consisted in adding a primitive Box to the virtual space and then, through the 
tools offered by the software, sculpted the form to the stage where the virtual model 
conveyed the credibility of being a real representation. 
 
 
 
 
Figure 5: Modeling of buildings. 
 
  
 
INAC 2017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 
The second stage consisted of the texturing process. Still in 3ds Max, the object had its 
mesh planned and later transformed into a figure. The texture layers were applied, 
which were based on photos taken at the site. Fig. 6 shows the planned texture applied 
to the model, and each of the textured faces coincident with the face of the model that is 
positioned in the virtual space. 
 
 
 
 
Figure 6: Textured buildings in 3ds Max. 
 
3.2.2. Terrain Modeling 
 
The Unity 3D game core was used to perform the terrain modeling of the repository 
studied in this work. At first, a standard terrain of the tool was created, without forms, 
reliefs or textures, to serve as the basis for constructions and alterations. Using the 
measurements and proportions from the topographic image of the nuclear facility, 
respecting the extensions and scales of the scenario, the standard terrain of Unity 3D 
was dimensioned. Thus, the width and length of the developing terrain were adequate to 
the real ones found at the nuclear site. 
 
From the virtual terrain modeled (in its shapes and dimensions of width and length) and  
textured, the necessary changes were made pertinent to the relief of this area. Fig. 7 
shows the application of the existing characteristics in the terrain, being these natural or 
coming from existing constructions. 
 
 
 
 
Figure 7: Geographic characteristics of the terrain. 
 
  
 
INAC 2017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 
With the developed virtual terrain, the insertions of existing objects and buildings in the 
real environment began. The 3D objects produced in Autodesk 3Ds Max were imported 
into the Unity 3D terrain. These elements were positioned according to the actual layout 
of the site buildings, and received scaling within the game core to respect the existing 
proportions, Fig. 8 (a). Finally, in order to give more realism to the virtual scenario, we 
also inserted vegetation characteristics, Fig. 8 (b), found in the facility, such as grasses, 
shrubs and trees. 
 
 
                                                                                                   
(a)       (b) 
Figure 8: Three-dimensional models and terrain with vegetation inserted in Unity. 
 
3.3. Functionalities Implementation 
 
3.3.1. Avatar Features 
 
To provide more realism to the proposed system, changes were made in the 
characteristics of the avatars present in the virtual environment. Firstly, the visual 
characteristics of these characters were altered, giving the user a visual identification 
with characters similar to those commonly found in the nuclear installation, Fig. 9. In 
addition to clothing and expressions, the height of the avatars was changed to 1,70 m, 
according to the average height of an adult man, and the characters' velocities of 
displacement were adjusted to reflect the true speed of movement of a human being 
within the nuclear facility. 
 
 
 
 
Figure 9: Avatar walking through the virtual environment. 
 
  
 
INAC 2017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 
3.3.2. Multiuser System 
 
The virtual repository can be operated by one or multiple users (each user represented 
by an avatar). At the beginning of the program, a menu is displayed to define which 
version the user wants (Fig. 10). In "One User" mode, only one person can use the 
program, thus controlling an avatar of the simulation. While in "Multiuser" mode, a 
group of people can interact together in the same scene, with possible collaboration or 
opposing goals among users. Finally, the "Exit" button allows you to close the 
application. 
 
 
 
 
Figure 10: Virtual repository introduction menu. 
 
 
3.4 Creation of the Interactive Virtual Model of the National Repository for 
Radioactive Waste 
 
The Interactive Virtual Model of the National Repository for Radioactive Waste was 
created (Fig. 11) with the characteristics of a repository to be tested in simulations. It 
has several avatars and can be used in multiplayer format. 
 
 
 
 
Figure 11: Virtual Model of the National Repository of Radioactive Rejects 
 
 
  
 
INAC 2017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 
4. RESULTS 
 
The figures below show the developed virtual environment, allowing the visualization, 
interaction and simulation of some operational procedures performed in waste 
repositories. Fig. 12 (a, b) shows the repository for low and medium levels of 
radioactive waste in operation. 
 
 
 
(a) 
 
 
(b) 
 
Figura 12 (a, b): Virtual Repository for Radioactive Waste with Low and Medium 
Radiation Levels 
 
 
 
 
  
 
INAC 2017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 
5. CONCLUSIONS 
 
This article showed the possibility of using Virtual Reality in the development of a tool 
for dissemination and training in nuclear installations, since waste relocation procedures 
are extremely complex but necessary tasks. With this tool you can visualize and plan 
strategies to be carried out in a repository of radioactive waste, without interrupting the 
operation of the installation. It can thus be used for training and operations simulations 
in order to perfect these processes and without exposing the repository operators to 
radiation. Future improvements, such as the internal modeling of buildings and a system 
of communication between users, can make this tool more efficient. 
 
 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
 
This research was sponsored by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível 
Superior – CAPES and Conselho Nacional de desenvolvimento Científico e 
Tecnológico - CNPq. Our thanks also to the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado 
do Rio de Janeiro - FAPERJ and Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear - CNEN, that, 
through the Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear - IEN, has provided all necessary resources 
to the development of this work. 
 
 
REFERENCES 
 
1. COMISSÃO NACIONAL DE ENERGIA NUCLEAR, Licenciamento de 
instalações Radiativas. Rio de Janeiro: CNEN, 1984. 
2. French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency. 
http://www.andra.fr/andra-aube/, 2017. 
3. GOLDSTONE, W. Unity 3.x Game Development Essentials. 2. ed. Nova Iorque: 
Packt Publishing, 2011, 488p. 
4. HARPER, J. Mastering Autodesk 3ds Max 2013. Camp Hill: Sybex, 2012. 
5. KAY,  M. S.; HALLY, K.S. , 2002. (Ed.) Handbook of Virtual Environments: 
Design, Implementation, and Applications, 2002. 
6. MINISTÉRIO DA CIÊNCIA E TECNOLOGIA. Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação 
para o desenvolvimento nacional. Ciencia, Tecnologia e Inovação. Plano de ação 
2007-2010. Brasília:MCT, 2007. 
7. SILAS, C. A., MOL, A. C. A., JORGE, C. A. F., et al., 2007. Use of Virtual reality 
to Estimate Radiation Dose Rates in Nuclear Plants. 2007 International Atlantic 
Conference – INAC 2007, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil, October 2007. 
8. TELLO, C. C. O.; FREIRE, C. B. Repositórios Revista Brasileira de Pesquisa e 
Desenvolvimento. Research and Development Brazilian Journal. v. 9, Nº 3, Nov. 
2007. p. 71-82. 2007. 
 


Use of Virtual Reality for the development of a Nuclear Waste Repository for Training

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Use of Virtual Reality for the development of a Nuclear Waste Repository for Training

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