Seismic failure probability evaluation of redundant fast breeder reactor piping system by probabilistic structural response analysis

The seismic failure probability and the correlation coefficient of the multiple failure mode of the heat transport system of a three-loop fast breeder reactor have been evaluated based on a probabilistic structural response analysis. It has been found that the most probable failure mode of the heat transport system has less impact on the core cooling capability than other modes. The correlation coefficient of the heat transport system loops is approximately 0.9. It is found that the correlation comes from the common structural properties rather than the common seismic input. The present approach is useful for quantifying the correlation coefficient and the seismic fragility of the redundant component failure that is used in the systems analysis.