Dynamics of Nuclear Power Plant Structures with Foundation Interaction

by Samir J. Serhan, Gilbert/Commonwealth, Inc, Reading, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structures Congress XII

Abstract:

This paper presents analyses and conclusions pertaining to a recorded earthquake motion felt at a nuclear power plant. The objective is to obtain frequency composition, assess damage potential, and simulate and explain the recorded soil and structural seismic motions. Two- and three-dimensional models for the superstructure, foundations, and supporting soils have been developed by using the finite-element substructuring method (SASSI 1989). Analysis results show clear evidence of soil/structure interaction, nonlinear softening of the soil material, and encouraging qualitative and quantitative agreement with the recorded measurements. The structural response motions display strong participation of the rocking mode.

Subject Headings: Soil analysis | Power plants | Finite element method | Soil structures | Ground motion | Earthquakes | Structural dynamics

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