| Abstract: | This paper describes the results of recent pneumatic pressure tests of steel containment models. These tests are part of the Containment Integrity Program whose objective is the qualification of methods for predicting containment response during severe accidents and extreme environments. Sandia National Laboratories is conducting this combined experimental and analytical program for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The long-range plans for the program include the following three containment loading conditions: static internal pressurization, dynamic internal pressurization, and seismic loadings. Steel, reinforced concrete, and prestressed concrete containment types are being considered.In the present experimental effort, models of steel containment structures are being subjected to static internal pressurization. The first set of models are about
the size of hybrid-steel containments. Tests of these models are nearly finished. Testing of a large steel model, about
of full size, will complete the static pressure experiments with steel models. Analysis of the models is paralleling the experimental effort.The Containment Integrity Program is being coordinated with other NRC programs on potential leakage of penetrations in containments. The results from all of the programs should provide a basis for predicting the structural and leakage behavior of containments during temperature and internal pressure loadings. |
