Title:
Effect of Creep and Shrinkage on the Design of Nuclear Reactor Containment Building
Author(s):
B. L. Meyers and M. A. Daye
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
129
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
143-154
Keywords:
creep properties; creep tests; nuclear reactor containment; post tensioning; prestressed concrete; shrinkage; structural design; Design
DOI:
10.14359/1286
Date:
12/1/1991
Abstract:
Pressurized water reactor containment building structures in nuclear power plants are designed to withstand internal accident pressure. Prestressed concrete is commonly used to resist such a pressure. The structure must maintain its structural integrity for the service life of the plant; therefore, the design must consider the effect of creep and shrinkage of concrete on the prestressing system. This effect is mainly in the form of prestressing force losses over time. Since creep and shrinkage are time-dependent, their values at any point in time during the service life of the plant must be predicted. The approach utilized in the design of the prestressed containment structure and the required periodic inspection are described. Also addressed is the procedure for establishing predicted changes in the prestressing forces as a result of creep and shrinkage of concrete at any point in time. Comparisons between predicted values and actual measurements of prestressing forces at different time intervals are presented. The comparison includes a number of reactor containment buildings and different concrete proportions.