Environmental-structural considerations in nuclear facility risk assessment

Abstract The concept of risk as it relates to nuclear power facilities is introduced. The role of the environment and its relationship to containment design considerations are analyzed. The loads significant to the performance of a containment are selected and combined in a manner so as to represent the paths to failure. Specific probability values for these loads and related structural resistances are either selected from other studies or assumed, resulting in an evaluation of path risks. The manner is illustrated in which environmental and structural aspects of the facility can be jointly considered to reduce the risk.