A note on the application of probabilistic structural reliability methodology to nuclear power plants

Abstract The interest shown in the general prospects of primary energy in European countries prompted description of the actual European situation. Explanation of the needs for installation of nuclear power plants in most countries of the European Communities are given. Activities of the Commission of the European Communities to initiate a progressive harmonization of already existing European criteria, codes and complementary requirements in order to improve the structural reliability of components and systems of nuclear power plants are summarized. Finally, the applicability of a probabilistic safety analysis to facilitate decision-making as to safety by defining acceptable target and limit values, coupled with a subjective estimate as it is applied in the safety analyses performed in most European countries, is demonstrated.