Title: Structural response evaluation of reinforced-concrete nuclear containment structure subjected to internal overpressure with high-temperature loading

Authors: Priya Arjunsinh Mahida; Dimple Desai

Addresses: Maliba Campus, Uka Tarsadia University, Surat, Gujarat 394350, India ' Maliba Campus, Uka Tarsadia University, Surat, Gujarat 394350, India

Abstract: The main aim of this study was to investigate the structural response of a nuclear containment structure subjected to internal overpressure and higher temperature; these conditions, which occur beyond the design basis, can be caused by accidents (such as Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA)) in a nuclear power plant. To forecast the structural response of a nuclear containment structure under internal overpressure and high-temperature loading conditions, a non-linear analysis was conducted with the finite element analysis software SAP 2000. More specifically, the layered shell elements in SAP 2000 were used for the 3D finite-element modelling of the reinforced-concrete nuclear containment structure. The layered shell elements represent the non-linear behaviour of the concrete and steel, while the reinforcement was modelled with two layers in circumferential and meridional directions. The structural behaviour of the reinforced-concrete containment structure subjected to various loadings (internal overpressure and high-temperature) is presented in terms of maximum leakage rate, the displacement and stress concentration in the containment structure. According to the results, the reinforced-concrete nuclear containment experiences a safety failure at 1.2 Db (Db: design basis internal pressure and temperature) and structural failure at 1.22 Db.

Keywords: LOCA; loss of coolant accident; finite element analysis; nuclear containment structure; high temperature; internal overpressure.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2020.117698

International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology, 2020 Vol.14 No.4, pp.281 - 290

Received: 09 Apr 2020
Accepted: 28 Mar 2021
Published online: 21 Sep 2021 *

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