Concrete barriers are an important component of many designs for disposal of radioactive waste in the unsaturated zone. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the concrete barriers performance assessment models representing the material degradation rates and transport properties must be developed. Models for evaluation of fluid flow and mass transport through partially failed concrete barriers located in the unsaturated zone are presented. Implications of the use of impermeable barriers design are discussed. Concrete of highest quality may not always be desirable for use in all components of waste disposal vaults. 7 refs., 5 figs.