Assessment and design of nuclear power plant structures under external explosions. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dong, Z.F.; Ma, L.L.; Jia, J.Y.; Wu, H.; Jia, P.C.
• Is Part Of: Annals of nuclear energy. Volume 180(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Nuclear power plant -- Explosions -- SDOF method -- Direct shear failure check -- Safety assessment; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; 621.4805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2022.109508
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4549

Abstract

Highlights: A general assessment and design method for NPP structures under blast load was established. The typical external blast load, NPP reinforcement details as well as the damage criteria are determined. The pressure-impulse (P-I)-based isodamage diagrams are plotted for assessment. A practical response surface method (RSM)-based design formula for typical NPP structures is proposed. Abstract: With the increasing concerns over the safety of the nuclear power plants (NPP), the blast-resistant assessment and design of NPP structures have been emphasized both domestically and internationally. Aiming to efficiently assess and design the NPP structures under external explosions, the flexural SDOF method and the checking method of direct shear failure were firstly established, and the critical parameters concerning the blast loadings and structural resistance function, were determined. Then, a general assessment and design method for blast-loaded RC structures was proposed, and validated by comparisons with the experimental maximum lateral deflections and whether a direct shear failure occurs. Finally, a practical response surface method (RSM)-based design formula was proposed for the typical NPP structures. It is found that, (i) the pressure-based SDOF method has a higher prediction accuracy compared with the velocity-based SDOF method; (ii) with the increase of the slab thickness and rebar diameter, both the values of reflected pressure and impulse asymptotes increase; (iii) the typical NPP structure remains intact under blast loads specified by the Chinese Load Code for the Design of Nuclear Power Plants Building Structures; (iv) increasing the steel and concrete strength can enhance the blast resistance of the NPP structure at the plastic state attributed to the increased ultimate structure resistance, but not at the elastic state; (v) the design charts for typical NPP structures under the blast loads regulated in Safety Reports Series No. 87, Safety Aspects of Nuclear Power Plants in Human Induced External Events: Assessment of Structures, are given.