Influence of ground motion duration on seismic fragility of base isolated NPP structures

This study investigates the influence of earthquake duration on seismic fragility of base isolated nuclear power plant (NPP) structures. Two groups of ground motions are employed in performing time history analyses, in which short duration (SD) and long duration (LD) characteristics are considered. The advanced power reactor 1400 (APR1400) NPP structures are used for developing finite element model, which is constructed using lumped-mass stick elements. A series of 486 lead rubber bearings (LRBs) are installed under the base mat of the NPP structures to reduce the seismic damage. Seismic responses of the base isolated NPP are quantified in terms of lateral displacements and hysteretic energy distributions of LRBs. Seismic fragility curves for damage states, which are defined based on the deformation of LRB, are developed. The results reveal that the average lateral displacements of LRBs under SD and LD motions are very similar. For PGA larger than 0.4g, the mean deformation of LRB for LD motions is higher than that for SD motions. The probability of damage of base isolated NPP structures under LD motions is reduced approximately 15% compared to that asubjected to SD earthquakes. This finding emphasizes that it is crucial to use both SD and LD ground motions in seismic evaluations of base isolated NPP structures