Antiseismic design of a PWR nuclear power station

Abstract

Ample justification exists for considering strong ground shaking in the design of nuclear plant structures located in seismic areas. Although the probability is remote that differential displacement of the foundation material will occur at a nuclear power station site, examination of the implications of this phenomenon on the design of plant structures is essential since the effect of substrate faulting on nuclear reactor operation has become a crucial issue. The task of detailed analysis of the many problems created for the plant designer by seismic criteria is so complex that an orderly approach emphasizing the problem areas most important to safety is needed to make meaningful progress toward the ultimate solution of the total problem. An outline for a systematic review of the plant systems and components is introduced to classify the vital systems according to their importance to plant safety and to identify design features for which seismic design is particularly important. One system of major concern, namely the reactor containment, is selected for detailed development of design concepts. Embedded configurations and configurations isolated from the soil are developed for differential displacements of 0. 5, 1. 0, 3. 0, and 6. 0 feet concurrent with ground shaking up tomore » 0. 5g. Design calculations and preliminary cost estimates indicate that reinforced concrete containment structures are technically feasible for areas of severe seismicity and probably can be constructed for a cost penalty in the range of 1 to 2 percent of the total plant cost. A number of areas of uncertainty, where further analytical and experimental investigations should be undertaken, have been disclosed in the course of this study.« less

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