Design Earthquake for Nuclear Power Plants Considering Variability of Soil Parameters

Abstract

For Nuclear Power Plants at soil sites, effects of local soils on design earthquake should be considered. Because most NPPs are built at soil sites, design earthquake should consider effects of local soils. Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis based on Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPEs) is used to construct design earthquakes. However, GMPEs for soil sites cannot give satisfactory results, because generic soils are used. Thus, GMPEs need to be modified to make them suitable for soil sites. Based on the modified GMPEs, design earthquakes on the soil surface can be constructed accurately.