Seismic analysis of nuclear power plants by using three-dimensional finite element models: a review

Seismic design of nuclear power plants (NPPs) is important for ensuring their integrity during earthquakes. Seismic analysis has been conducted using lumped mass beam models (LMBMs) for the design of plants in Japan, whereas three-dimensional (3D) finite element models (FEMs) have been used for novel plants outside Japan. The purposes of this study are to organize issues related to the development and application of 3D FEMs for seismic analysis of Japanese NPPs and to indicate future study directions. To organize these issues, the authors systematically investigated: (1) international guides and standards related to seismic analysis and (2) 3D FEMs of novel NPPs outside Japan. By considering other studies on the issues, the authors suggest directions for future studies. Resolving the issues will contribute to application of 3D FEMs for seismic analysis in the design of Japanese NPPs.