Seismic Evaluation of Critical Mechanical and Piping Components Inside a Nuclear Power Plant Containment Building

Abstract eng:
This work focuses on the dynamic response of nuclear power plant mechanical sub-systems (i.e., main cooling system, steam generators, emergency cooling injection tanks and piping) that are housed within the containment structure and are associated with power generation. More specifically, the numerical modeling procedure focuses on the internal R/C wall structural system, which is used for supporting the mechanical equipment. Next, the complex grid of the mechanical components is modeled with shell finite elements. This internal equipment configuration is then excited by a suite of earthquake ground motions. Following extensive parametric studies, the seismic demand imposed on the internal equipment is assessed on the basis of the results from the dynamic stress analysis of the critical components. It is shown that, depending on frequency content of the incoming seismic motion, abrupt uplift that may take place, even for moderate intensity, particularly when the containment structure rests on soft soils. This situation may produce peaks in the pipe elbow strains that could potentially affect the serviceability, operation and under extreme conditions, the safety of the entire nuclear power plant, thus, they should be considered in the design process.

• Export as: BibTeX | MARC | MARCXML | DC | EndNote | NLM | RefWorks
• Add to your basket