Canadian Seismic Design Criteria and Methods for CANDU-PHW Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

CANDU - PHW* Nuclear Power Plants are now thoroughly qualified to resist potential earthquakes because of the great emphasis placed on nuclear safety in Canada. CANDU plants have been seismically qualified dynamically since the Gentilly-1, Quebec, plant in the mid 1960's , with ever-increasing requirements for each new plant built, whether in Canada or offshore. The seismic design criteria and methods which are now employed in Canada and how they were arrived at, will be described in detail below. While many of the Canadian technical requirements, criteria procedures and methods are similar to those developed by the U.S. NRC,** they are uniquely suited to the CANDU system and, in some cases, approaches have been taken which are different from those applied in other countries and in many ways these are more conservative and are believed to be safer.