Correlation Analysis of JNES Seismic Wall Pressure Data for ABWR Model Structures (NUREG/CR-6957)

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Publication Information

Manuscript Completed: December 2007
Date Published: March 2008

Prepared by:
J. Xu, J. Nie, C. Costantino and C. Hofmayer

Brookhaven National Laboratory
Upton, NY 11973-5000

H. Graves, IIII, NRC Project Manager

Prepared for:
Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington DC 20555-0001

RC Job Code Y6718

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Abstract

To investigate the applicability of existing seismic soil-structure interaction (SSI) computer codes to deeply embedded and/or buried (DEB) structures, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) performed a correlation analysis. The correlation analysis was performed using recorded earthquake response data from tests conducted by the Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation (NUPEC) of Japan. The NUPEC tests used 1/10th scale models, based on outer structural dimensions similar to the advanced boiling water reactor (ABWR) building structures. The ABWR models were embedded below grade to approximately 50% of the overall height of the model. The NUPEC earthquake response data were provided by the Japan Nuclear Energy Safety Organization (JNES, successor of NUPEC seismic test data) as part of the US-Japan collaborative effort in the area of seismic engineering research. The computer programs used in the correlation analysis are the System for Analysis of Soil-Structure Interaction (SASSI) and LS-DYNA programs, which represent the sub-structuring sub-traction and direct finite element methods. An assessment of the SASSI and LS-DYNA programs was made based on the insights gleaned from the correlation results.

The following results are discussed: 1) the correlation analysis using SASSI and LS-DYNA with the recorded earthquake response data in terms of the in-structure response spectra (ISRS) and seismic induced soil pressures, 2) an assessment of the adequacy and performance of the analysis methods, and 3) quantification of the effect of the soil uncertainty on the seismic response computations by SASSI and LS-DYNA. This study concludes that for moderate earthquakes, the computer codes SASSI and LS-DYNA have reasonably captured the seismic response parameters in terms of ISRS and the seismic induced side and base pressures for the DEB structures. Furthermore, the level of uncertainty in the soil properties for the site was estimated by SASSI and LS-DYNA programs using the best fit with the ISRS from the recorded response data, which is within the range currently considered in the geotechnical engineering practice.

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