US experience in seismic re-evaluation and verification programs

The purpose of this paper is to present a summary of the development of the seismic re-evaluation program for older nuclear power plants in the US. The principal focus of this re-evaluation is the use of actual strong motion earthquake response data for structures, mechanical and electrical systems and components. These data are supplemented by shake table test results. This type of seismic re-evaluation has lead to major cost reduction as compared to more conventional analytical and component specific testing procedures.