Overview of Updates in Recent Edition of CSA N289.1

Abstract

CSA N289.1, General requirements for seismic design and qualification of nuclear power plants, is the principal standard in a series of five (5) CSA standards that cover the general requirements for seismic hazard evaluation, seismic design, qualification, evaluation, and testing and monitoring. The fourth edition of the Standard, CSA N289.1:23, has been published and reflects the industry’s feedback while clarifying the various approaches in seismic design and qualification of systems, structures, and components (SSCs).

This paper summarises the main updates in the 2023 edition of CSA N289.1 and their expected impacts. The main updates include the following:

• Clarifying application of similarity assessments and seismic experience-based approaches as two separate methods for seismic qualification of components,
• Revising the aging management aspect pertaining to maintaining seismic qualification, and
• Providing new provisions for addressing post-earthquake planning and response.

The paper also discusses the graded approach, as adopted in CSA N289.1, of classifying SSCs for their seismic design, qualification, and evaluation that can be applied to SMRs.