Hybrid Simulation to Assess Performance of Seismic Isolation in Nuclear Power Plants

Hybrid Simulation to Assess Performance of Seismic Isolation in Nuclear Power Plants PDF Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789201627193
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Seismic isolation technology has the potential to significantly reduce the overall risk posed by earthquake ground motions to nuclear power plants. A testing programme is an integral part of a seismic isolation project. Not only must the isolating devices be characterized for design purposes, but also validation of the analytical procedures used in design is required. Hybrid simulation is a testing technique which is a good candidate to experimentally assess the behaviour of an isolation system. The method combines the computation of the response of the isolated structure with the experimental determination of the behaviour of full-scale isolators under the demand imposed by the movement of ground and structure. This publication contributes to the assessment of the method as a tool for the design and safety demonstration of base-isolated nuclear facility buildings.

Hybrid Simulation to Assess Performance of Seismic Isolation in Nuclear Power Plants

Hybrid Simulation to Assess Performance of Seismic Isolation in Nuclear Power Plants PDF Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789201627193
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Seismic isolation technology has the potential to significantly reduce the overall risk posed by earthquake ground motions to nuclear power plants. A testing programme is an integral part of a seismic isolation project. Not only must the isolating devices be characterized for design purposes, but also validation of the analytical procedures used in design is required. Hybrid simulation is a testing technique which is a good candidate to experimentally assess the behaviour of an isolation system. The method combines the computation of the response of the isolated structure with the experimental determination of the behaviour of full-scale isolators under the demand imposed by the movement of ground and structure. This publication contributes to the assessment of the method as a tool for the design and safety demonstration of base-isolated nuclear facility buildings.

Hybrid Simulation to Assess Performance of Seismic Isolation in Nuclear Power Plants

Hybrid Simulation to Assess Performance of Seismic Isolation in Nuclear Power Plants PDF Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789201628190
Category : Earthquake resistant design
Languages : en
Pages : 206

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Book Description


Experimental and Numerical Simulation of Seismically Isolated Critical Facilities Under Extreme Seismic Loading

Experimental and Numerical Simulation of Seismically Isolated Critical Facilities Under Extreme Seismic Loading PDF Author: Alireza Sarebanha
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 241

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Book Description
Seismic isolation can be an effective strategy to protect critical facilities including Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) from the damaging effects of horizontal earthquake ground shaking. For critical facilities, the isolation system should demonstrate a high-confidence of low-probability of failure at the design level and the load carrying capacities should be maintained under beyond design earthquake shaking (BDBE). Experimental evaluation of seismic isolation bearings is important to fully understand their behavior and capacity for reliable performance. Safety mechanisms such as a stop can be imposed to prevent excessive displacement of the isolation system under BDBE, however, this raises concerns for detrimental effects of pounding against a stop or moat wall. Methods of analysis are presented in this dissertation to evaluate both seismic isolation system behavior under extreme earthquakes and the potential effects of pounding by imposing displacement restraints. The dynamic response of an isolated NPP depends on the combined characteristics of the ground motion, bearings, and structure while the seismic isolation bearings themselves can exhibit complex nonlinear behavior that depends on several factors, including the scale size, axial load, temperature, and rate of loading especially under strong earthquake shaking. With a specific interest on the in-structure response of seismically isolated NPPs, hybrid simulation is shown to be a viable approach to examine bearing behavior at full scale under realistic earthquake loading. The adaptation of a full-scale bearing test machine (SRMD testing facility at UC San Diego) and developed toolsets for the implementation of fast hybrid simulation to study the dynamic response of base isolated NPP using full scale lead plug rubber bearings under realistic earthquake loading conditions are presented. Results from these tests validate the effectiveness of seismic isolation technology for application in nuclear facilities and provide valuable data towards improving numerical models of seismic isolation bearings. In a seismically isolated NPP, a surrounding moat wall can function as a stop to limit isolation system displacements and prevent bearing failure for beyond design basis shaking. Impact of isolated structures against a moat wall is of concern due to potential amplification of superstructure response. A moat wall model able to capture impact forces is proposed and used in numerical simulations to capture the effects of impact on the response of seismically isolated NPPs. Variable clearance to the stop and a range of properties for the impact model, moat wall and isolation system are considered to identify parameters that influence the response. Results indicate that large NPP plants as considered here can have significant penetration into the moat wall, not fully limiting displacements in the isolation system, while causing considerable increases in accelerations throughout the NPP. A simplified methodology to estimate impact response parameters including penetration is proposed towards developing design tools that consider these effects.

Advanced Modeling and Evaluation of the Response of Base-Isolated Nuclear Facility Structures to Vertical Earthquake Excitation

Advanced Modeling and Evaluation of the Response of Base-Isolated Nuclear Facility Structures to Vertical Earthquake Excitation PDF Author: Eric Scott Keldrauk
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 742

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Book Description
The commissioning and construction of new nuclear power plants in the United States has dwindled over the past 30 years despite significant innovation in reactor technology. This is partially due to the ever-increasing seismic hazard estimates, which increases the demand on and risk to nuclear power plant structures. Seismic base isolation is a mature technology which introduces a laterally-flexible and vertically-stiff layer between the foundation and superstructure to significantly reduce the seismic response of the structure, systems, and components therein. Such devices have also been noted to concentrate the displacement response in one plane, reduce higher-mode participation, and provide damping to protect against excessive displacements, all of which aid in increasing safety margins for seismically-isolated nuclear structures. Despite numerous studies analyzing the applicability of seismic base isolation to nuclear power plant structures, some of which are discussed herein, no seismically-isolated nuclear plant has been constructed in the United States. This study presents a time-domain procedure for analyzing the performance of seismically-isolated nuclear structures in response to design-basis earthquake events using ALE3D. The simulations serve as a parametric study to assess the effects of soil column type, seismic isolation model, superstructure mesh, and ground motion selection on global displacements, rotations, and accelerations, as well as internal floor accelerations. Explicit modeling of the soil columns and superstructures enables detailed analysis of soil-structure interaction. The soil columns analyzed have constant properties over the height of the finite element soil mesh and include rock, soft rock, and stiff soil sites, as well as a "no soil" case for comparison. Four separate 3-dimensional seismic isolation bearing models were coded into ALE3D and validated. These include models for friction pendulum, triple friction pendulum, simplified lead rubber, and robust lead rubber bearings. Lastly, two superstructure finite element meshes were considered: a cylindrical plant design meant to represent a typical conceptual design for advanced reactors, and a rectangular plant design meant to represent an advanced boiling water reactor. The ground motions considered include 30 three-component time history records scaled to meet the seismic hazard for the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant. Every combination of soil column, isolator model, and superstructure were subjected to a subset of three of the harshest ground motions, termed the "basic motions", and the combinations which included the rectangular plant design atop the rock soil column were subjected to all 30 motions. The results of the various simulations including accelerations in the soil columns and superstructures as well as displacements and rotations in the isolators and superstructures are presented. The results suggest three possible effects: an isolator-type effect, a soil-type effect, and a slenderness effect. The isolator-type effect refers to significant increases in vertical soil acceleration amplifications, isolator uplift/tension, and global rotations including torsion and overturning for friction bearings in comparison to elastomeric bearings. Additionally it is noted that inclusion of lead plug softening has the effect of increasing peak lateral isolator deformations, especially for the ground motions that naturally induce high-amplitude deformations in the bearings. These results suggest that uplift/tension may be troublesome in high-seismic areas and the use of restrainers should be analyzed as a possible solution. Furthermore, these results reinforce the lateral design displacement estimate procedures for seismically-isolated nuclear structures in ASCE4-11. The results prove that explicit inclusion of the soil column is necessary for proper response characterization and the chosen soil properties greatly affect the efficacy of seismic isolation designs. The soil-type effect comes from observations of comparative simulations which show that, in general, peak isolator uplift/tension and deformation, as well as peak global displacements and rotations including torsion and overturning increase as the soil column becomes less-stiff, regardless of the isolator model or superstructure considered. These results suggest that although seismic isolation can be effective for structures atop a variety of soil columns, it is imperative that a single isolator design only be considered applicable to a corresponding soil column unless extensive analyses prove otherwise for a specific case. Differences in peak response parameters between the two superstructures point to a possible slenderness effect. Specifically, the isolator deformations as well as the global displacements and rotations are observed to increase for the cylindrical superstructure in comparison to the rectangular superstructure cases utilizing the same ground motion, soil column, and isolator model. Should further research reaffirm this effect, a practical limit could be set for superstructure slenderness.

Recent Advances and Applications of Hybrid Simulation

Recent Advances and Applications of Hybrid Simulation PDF Author: Wei Song
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889663809
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 213

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Book Description


Exploring Applications of Real- Time Hybrid Simulation for Seismically Excited Base Isolated Buildings

Exploring Applications of Real- Time Hybrid Simulation for Seismically Excited Base Isolated Buildings PDF Author: Muammer Avci
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Seismic base isolation of buildings is widely used and accepted to reduce structural and nonstructural damage caused by earthquakes. To explore performance and improvements to base isolation, experimental testing is necessary and real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) can play a critical role in this process. RTHS allows a structural dynamic system to be partitioned into physical and numerical substructures. The substructure of interest is physically tested, while the substructure that is better understood or more difficult to test in the laboratory is simulated in real-time using analytical or numerical models. This research examines the role of newly proposed stability analysis methods in the application of real-time hybrid sub-structuring (RTHS) for challenging laboratory experiments, including the shake table testing of a fixed base superstructure in a base isolated system subjected to earthquake ground motion. Also, this research considers a seismically excited base isolated building with a supplemental viscous damper located at the isolation layer. Experimental results demonstrate the ability to safety conduct RTHS tests of a fixed base structure mounted to a shake table, in conjunction with a separate physical component of a device located in the isolation layer. This method can be applied to larger scale structures using the methods developed and demonstrated to design and conduct large-scale proposed RTHS experiments to further examine seismic base-isolation of building structures.

Real-time Seismic Hybrid Simulation Procedures for Reliable Structural Performance Testing

Real-time Seismic Hybrid Simulation Procedures for Reliable Structural Performance Testing PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 271

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Book Description
The increased need for experimental verification of the seismic performance of conventional and novel structural systems has resulted in highly sophisticated dynamic test procedures. Hybrid simulation, including pseudo-dynamic testing of experimental substructures, offers an efficient method for assessment of dynamic and rate-dependent behavior of large-scale structural systems subjected to earthquake excitation. Compared to earthquake simulations using shake tables, hybrid simulation may have significant advantages in terms of cost, scale, geometry, and required physical mass of structures and components that can be tested. However, recent hybrid simulations have been limited to simplified structural models with only a few degrees of freedom. This is primarily due to the fact that hybrid simulation is a relatively new test method that is still being improved through research. Currently, the major challenges for using hybrid simulation in large and complex structural systems are the lack of robust simulation algorithms, and the sensitivity of the results to experimental errors in the presence of high-frequency modes. The main motivation for this research is to develop reliable test procedures that can be easily applied to fast and real-time hybrid simulations of large and complex structural systems. It is also attempted to develop test procedures that are effective for geographically distributed hybrid simulations. In this dissertation, recent developments to improve the accuracy and stability of hybrid simulation are described using the state-of-the-art pseudo-dynamic hybrid simulation system at the Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory, University at Buffalo. In particular, delay compensation procedures are examined, and new methods are proposed. These methods are based on the correction of tracking errors in force measurement signal, and using the numerical integration procedure for prediction and compensation of command displacement signal. A new online procedure is proposed for estimation of delay during the simulation, and is shown to have better performance compared to existing online delay estimation methods. Furthermore, two numerical integration procedures are introduced for hybrid simulation, which are shown to improve the stability and accuracy properties of the simulation. The proposed integration algorithms use experimental measurements to iterate within implicit scheme and also take advantage of a new approach to estimate the tangent stiffness matrix of experimental substructures. For assessment of the reliability of hybrid simulation results, energy-based error monitors are proposed to examine the severity of experimental and numerical errors. These measures are then used to demonstrate the improved accuracy offered by new algorithms proposed here through analytical and numerical studies, and numerical and experimental simulations.

Assessment of the Effect of Different Isolation Systems on Seismic Response of a Nuclear Power Plant

Assessment of the Effect of Different Isolation Systems on Seismic Response of a Nuclear Power Plant PDF Author: Jenna Wong
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 200

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Book Description
Seismic isolation is utilized in both traditional and industrial structures for its ability to reduce structural responses while effectively protecting sensitive building contents. Although this mature technology has been studied extensively, there is limited research on its application to Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs). Studies have yet to address topics such as sensitivity of equipment and the effects of seismic isolation on floor response spectra (FRS) caused by high frequencies and the inclusion of vertical motion. This paper's studies investigate the relationship between structural response and isolator mechanics, ground motion sensitivity, and the effectiveness of various isolator types, especially nonlinear isolators. Overall trends are identified that provide insight into the interaction between the isolation system and the response at various levels of the NPP. By understanding these relationships and connections, a set of valid recommendations for the selection and design of isolation systems is provided. This work is pursued through analyzing the performance of an APR1400 plant considering regulatory guidelines and utilizing a variety of ground motions, isolator types, and isolator models.

Development of a Weakly-Coupled Hybrid Simulation Method for Seismic Assessment and Its Application to Reinforced Concrete Building Structure

Development of a Weakly-Coupled Hybrid Simulation Method for Seismic Assessment and Its Application to Reinforced Concrete Building Structure PDF Author: Georgios Giotis
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Hybrid simulation methods have attracted significant interest from researchers in structural engineering to accurately assess the seismic performance of structures. To implement hybrid simulations in a testing facility, it is necessary to properly control the boundary conditions of physically tested specimens. The objective of this study is to propose and implement a methodology for performing hybrid simulations when a limited number of actuators are available and the full control of the boundary conditions is not possible. The developed methodology is employed to evaluate the seismic performance of a RC structure where one of the first storey columns is experimentally tested with testing equipment which can control only two DOF instead of the three required for columns subjected to planar motions. The seismic assessment is performed for the cases of an intact, repaired and retrofitted structure, where externally applied Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) fabric is used for repairing and retrofitting.

The Implementation of a Versatile Pseudodynamic Hybrid Simulation for Seismic Evaluation of Structural Systems

The Implementation of a Versatile Pseudodynamic Hybrid Simulation for Seismic Evaluation of Structural Systems PDF Author: Chelsea Griffith
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Structural engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 144

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Book Description
Pseudodynamic hybrid simulation technique was developed to evaluate structural seismic performance by physically testing the critical portion with the remaining structure simulated using a numerical model in the computer. An incremental approach was adopted in developing the control scheme to suit multiple testing facilities and test specimens. First the small scale, predictable specimen was utilized to investigate techniques of improving stability, slowing down the loading rate and triggering the accurate force measurement in a series of at benchmark scale experiments in the Laboratory of Earthquake and Structural Simulation at Western Michigan University (WMU). A step/hold command scheme was developed and results matched well to those obtained from the purely numerical simulations of the analytical model setup based on the cyclic tests. Then a series of open and closed loop PSD hybrid simulations of increasing amplitude were conducted at large scale in the Structural Engineering Laboratory at University of Alabama. A ramp/hold displacement command scheme with flexible definition on the ramp phase were developed to the address the excessive vibrations due to the very high speed actuator. The final control scheme was applied the large scale PSD hybrid simulation of a two story wood frame building with a physical first story wood shear wall and numerical second story and reasonable seismic response were achieved. The results of this study serve as a basis for developing the simulation technique for the large scale hybrid simulation that that will be conducted at the NEES equipment site at the University of Buffalo.