Reduction of Seismic Response in Breeder Plants

by F. F. Tajirian, Bechtel Group Inc, Research &, Engineering Operation, San, Francisco, CA, USA,
R. A. Todeschini, Bechtel Group Inc, Research &, Engineering Operation, San, Francisco, CA, USA,
N. F. Somes, Bechtel Group Inc, Research &, Engineering Operation, San, Francisco, CA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structural Engineering in Nuclear Facilities

Abstract:

Thin-walled vessels to be used in the Nuclear Steam Supply Systems (NSSS) of future LMFBR's will be more sensitive to seismic excitation than their equivalents used in conventional LWR plants. Optimization studies of building arrangement have indicated that embedment of future plants may be one feasible strategy for reducing seismic response. This paper presents the results of a three-dimensional soil-structure interaction analysis using the computer program SASSI. Two types of embedded buildings are considered: full embedment of the nuclear island, and embedment of the reactor cavity alone. A comparison, between the response of the embedded structure with that of a plant supported on the surface, indicates that the seismic response at the reactor vessel support ledge can be lowered by embedment of either the entire nuclear island or the reactor cavity alone. This reduction is larger when the plant is embedded in a softer site due to the increased effect of soil-structure interaction.

Subject Headings: Soil-structure interaction | Soil structures | Seismic tests | Seismic effects | Embedment | Thin wall structures | Structural analysis

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