Concrete containment structures for nuclear power plants

Nuclear containments serve the critical function of providing an external protection and a leak proof boundary for containing radiation in nuclear power plants. Failure can result in catastrophic safety consequences as a result of radiation. The size of the containment and available free volume depends upon equipment layout and operational requirements. The available free volume within the containment affects the magnitude of pressure that can be generated during an accident. Conventionally reinforced concrete type has been applied for small containments with low to moderate internal design pressure. However, large containments with relatively high internal design pressure require either a prestressed concrete or a steel containment. In general, selection of containment type (conventional concrete, prestressed concrete or steel) depends upon considerations for the equipment size and layout, design pressure and other loadings, construction cost and schedule. This study provides a summary of analysis and design and pre-operational inspection and testing requirements for concrete containments. Both conventionally reinforced as well as prestressed concrete containments are included.