Shaking table tests and numerical simulations of nuclear power containment and polar crane under seismic excitations

Seismic excitations alter the dynamic response of nuclear power structures through the wave propagation. However, it is still unrealistic that the dynamic response of the entire nuclear power system can be fully captured by relying solely on extensive shaking table tests. This study investigates the impact of different seismic excitations on key components of these structures. Shaking table tests are conducted on the containment and polar crane equipment. Notably, it is necessary to pay more attention to the equipment dynamic characteristic resulted from the vertical seismic excitation. The main differences in pulling measurements focus on the maximum acceleration response, indicating a direct link between the pulling force and peak acceleration. Subsequently, the experimentally validated finite element and impedance substructure methods address soil structure interaction (SSI) effects under different site conditions. Results indicate that the displacement amplification has increases with structure height on a non-rock foundation, and highlighting the containment top is the critical area under seismic damage.