Modelling of ageing in concrete nuclear power plant structures

Objective

MAECENAS will develop a comprehensive reliability-based analysis assessment tool to determine the risk of an unacceptable reduction in the structural safety of reinforced PCCV and PCPVs as a result of operational and environmental ageing effects.
For the first time a complete analysis capability will exist that considers the complex moisture transport, creep, shrinkage and fracturing processes under elevated temperature for concrete suffering multi-axial stress states. This can lead to a step-change in the interpretation of condition and assessment of appropriate repair strategies.
Test data on the behaviour of aged concrete will be gathered to create a thermodynamically consistent constitutive theory. The project will involve close collaboration between leading academic institutions and senior engineers from within the nuclear industry.

Programme(s)

• FP5-EAECTP C - Research and training programme (Euratom) in the field of nuclear energy (1998 to 2002)

Topic(s)

• 2.1.2.-1.1.1 - Integrity of equipment and structures

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

Address

Sir Frederick Mappin Building, Mappin Street
S1 3JD Sheffield
United Kingdom

Participants (7)

BRITISH ENERGY GENERATION (UK) LTD

United Kingdom

Address

Redwood Crescent 3, Peel Park
G74 5PR Glasgow

CZECH TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF PRAGUE

Czechia

Address

Thakurova 7
166 29 Praha 6

ECOLE CENTRALE DE NANTES

France

Address

Rue De La Noe, 1
44321 Nantes

HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE

United Kingdom

Address

St Peter's House, Balliol Road
L20 3LZ Bootle (Merseyside)

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR MECHANICAL SCIENCES

Italy

Address

Piazza Garibaldi 18
33100 Udine

UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

United Kingdom

Address

Rankine Building Oakfield Avenue
G12 8LT Glasgow

UNIVERSITY OF ROME "LA SAPIENZA"

Italy

Address

18,Via A. Gramsci 53
00197 Roma