Seismic Capacities of Masonry Walls at the Big Rock Point Nuclear Generating Plant

by Donald A. Wesley, Structural Mechanics Associates, Newport Beach, CA, USA,
Hooshang Banon, Structural Mechanics Associates, Newport Beach, CA, USA,
Rolfe B. Jenkins, Structural Mechanics Associates, Newport Beach, CA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structural Engineering in Nuclear Facilities

Abstract:

An evaluation to determine the ability of selected concrete block walls in the vicinity of essential equipment to withstand seismic excitation was conducted. The seismic input to the walls was developed in accordance with the Systematic Evaluation Program (SEP) site-specific response spectra for the site. Time-history inputs to the walls were determined from the response of the turbine building complex. Analyses were performed to determine the capacities of the walls to withstand both in-plane and transverse seismic loads. Transverse load capacities were determined from time-history analyses of nonlinear two-dimensional analytical models of the walls. Separate inputs were used at the tops and bottoms of the walls to reflect the amplification through the building. Factors of safety based on stability of the walls were determined for the transverse response, and on code allowable stresses for the in-plane response.

Subject Headings: Walls | Seismic tests | Seismic effects | Load bearing capacity | Concrete blocks | Seismic loads | Two-dimensional models

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