In high-level radioactive waste (HLW) disposal engineering

structure in rock mass is a key parameters in rock mass quality assessment which may provide potential pathway for nuclide migration. Under the consideration of the great importance of joints on the long-term safety requirements for HLW disposal

a multi-dimension and multi-scale comprehensive index-SCE is proposed to conduct rock mass quality assessment. The index-SCE is applied to assess the quality of Tianhu rock mass

the pre-selected area of high radioactive waste repository using the structure date from borehole and outcrop. Results show that the SCE is more effective than conventional rock mass assessment method (single parameter method). The research could provide scientific understanding for quality assessment of rock mass

which help understand more properties such as the permeability of rock mass and the migration of nuclide. In a word

this index will provide meaningful reference for site selection and quality assessment for high-radioactive waste repository.