SHAM: High-level seismic tests of piping at the HDR
As part of the second phase of vibrational/earthquake investigations at the HDR (Heissdampfreaktor) Test Facility in Kahl/Main, FRG, high-level simulated seismic tests (SHAM) were performed during April--May 1988 on the VKL (Versuchskreislauf) in-plant piping system with two servohydraulic actuators, each capable of generating 40 tons of force. The purpose of these experiments was to study the behavior of piping subjected to seismic excitation levels that exceed design levels manifold and may result in failure/plastification of pipe supports and pipe elements, and to establish seismic margins for piping and pipe supports. The performance of six different dynamic pipe support systems was compared in these tests and the response, operability, and fragility of dynamic supports and of a typical US gate valve were investigated. Data obtained in the tests are used to validate analysis methods. Very preliminary evaluations lead to the observation that, in general, failures of dynamic supports (in particular snubbers) occur only at load levels that substantially exceed the design capacity. Pipe strains at load levels exceeding the design level threefold are quite small, and even when exceeding the design level eightfold are quite tolerable. Hence, under seismic loading, even at extreme levels and in spite of multiple support failures, pipe failure is unlikely. 5 refs., 16 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (USA); Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe G.m.b.H. (Germany, F.R.); Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V., Darmstadt (Germany, F.R.). Inst. fuer Betriebsfestigkeit; Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 6797347
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8810155-26; ON: DE89004285
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
220200* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Components & Accessories
DATA
DESIGN
EARTHQUAKES
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRAULICS
INFORMATION
MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS
MECHANICS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
NUMERICAL DATA
PIPES
POWER PLANTS
REACTOR SAFETY
SAFETY
SEISMIC EFFECTS
SEISMIC EVENTS
SYSTEM FAILURE ANALYSIS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS