Computer-Aided Load Monitoring System for Nuclear Power Plant Steel Framing Structures

by Anthony T. Skaczylo, Sargent & Lundy, Structural, Analytical Div, Chicago, IL, USA,
Shu-Jin Fang, Sargent & Lundy, Structural, Analytical Div, Chicago, IL, USA,
Robert W. Hooks, Sargent & Lundy, Structural, Analytical Div, Chicago, IL, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structural Engineering in Nuclear Facilities

Abstract:

The design of nuclear power plant steel framing structures is a long and involved process. It is often complicated by numerous changes in design loads as a result of additions, deletions and modifications of HVAC hangers, cable tray hangers, electric conduit hangers, and small bore and large bore mechanical component supports. Manual tracking of load changes of thousands of supports and their impact to the structural steel design adequacy is very time-consuming and is susceptible to errors. This paper presents a computer-aided load monitoring system using the latest technology of data base management and interactive computer software. By linking the data base to analysis and investigation computer programs, the engineer has a very powerful tool to monitor not only the load revisions but also their impact on the steel structural floor framing members and connections. Links to reporting programs allow quick information retrieval in the form of comprehensive reports. Drawing programs extract data from the data base to draw hanger load system drawings on a computer-aided drafting system. These capabilities allow engineers to minimize modifications by strategically locating new hangers or rearranging auxiliary steel configuration.

Subject Headings: Steel structures | Load factors | Cables | Steel frames | Power plants | Computer aided design | Structural design

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