Seismic Design Criteria for Structures, Systems, and Components in Nuclear Facilities

A virtual discussion on Seismic Design Criteria for Structures, Systems, and Components in Nuclear Facilities will be held March 18, 2021.

Join SEI Host Jennifer Goupil for a big-picture discussion of the state of seismic design in nuclear facilities with the chair and vice chair the ASCE/SEI Nuclear Standards Committee Andrew Whittaker, George Abatt, who led the effort to revise ASCE 43 and committee member Brian McDonald.

The 2019 edition of ASCE/SEI 43 Seismic Design Criteria for Structures, Systems, and Components in Nuclear Facilities ensures that nuclear facilities are properly designed to withstand the effects of earthquake ground shaking while retaining the desired functionally, expressed as target performance goals. Because nuclear facilities process, store, or handle radioactive materials in a form and quantity that pose potential hazard to the workers, the public, or the environment, it is desirable that nuclear facilities have a lower probably of structural damage caused by earthquake shaking than commercial buildings. While this standard is intended for use in design of new facilities, it can also be used for existing facilities.

The expert panel will begin the session with an overview discussion on the state of the industry, the role the standard plays in the profession, and why it was updated. Then, Andrew and George will present the technical changes in ASCE/SEI 43-19, provide relevant design examples, and wrap up the session with a live Q&A from the audience.

Resources:

• ASCE/SEI 43-19 Publication
• Seismic Analysis of Safety-Related Nuclear Structures (4-16)
• Structural Design of Air and Gas Ducts for Power Stations and Industrial Boiler Applications: Second Edition