The evaluation of the level of knowledge on the FEP's concerning bentonite barriers and the basis for their treatment in Performance Assessment, has been complemented in BENIPA with the review of experimental and scientific bases, obtained in multiple theoretical studies, laboratory and in-situ experiments, natural analogues, etc. A Project handbook of relevant data for safety assessment of bentonite barriers has been produced as a reference book for internal consultation in future assessments. This is a thorough understanding of the relevant data for performance assessment relative to bentonite barrier materials.
All the organisations involved in BENIPA have analysed the information (studies, experiments findings and conclusions) available in their national programmes. Also, information from other EU countries (i.e.: Sweden) non-participating in the project or from non-EU countries (i.e.: Canada, Japan) has been selected and analysed. Results of the analysis have been compiled and elaborated further in BENIPA to reach an understanding of the degree of support that scientific and experimental studies provide for the justification of the decisions made in Integrated Performance Assessment on the treatment of the FEPs influencing the performance of Bentonite Barriers.