Methodologies for Seismic Soil–Structure Interaction Analysis in the Design and Assessment of Nuclear Installations

Presents soil-structure interaction (SSI) phenomena and current practices in SSI modelling, simulation methodology and analysis methods for the design and assessment of nuclear installations.

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The response of a nuclear installation's structure during an earthquake depends on the characteristics of the ground motion, the surrounding soil and the structure itself. Soil– structure interaction (SSI) analysis is used to evaluate the effects of seismic ground motion on an installation's structure, system and components, to ensure it is designed to withstand the effects of earthquakes, without loss of safety functions. This publication presents SSI phenomena and current practices in SSI modelling, simulation methodology and analysis methods for the design and assessment of nuclear installations. It complements IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-67, Seismic Design for Nuclear Installations, and No. NS-G-2.13, Evaluation of Seismic Safety for Existing Nuclear Installations.