Performance of Nonstructural Components in NPPs under High-Frequency Ground Motions

Abstract

This study evaluates the seismic performance of nonstructural components subjected to strong high frequency ground motions (GMs), and further investigates the acceleration amplification factors considering involved uncertainties. For this purpose, a set of ground motion histories are modified to match the ground motion response spectrums for NPP sites in the western and eastern U.S. The seismic performance of nonstructural components is analyzed through time history analysis. Using this procedure, acceleration responses of floors and nonstructural components are evaluated, and the variation of amplification factors are estimated. For nonstructural components attached to structures with high natural frequency, the amplification factors can be large under GMs with high frequency contents compared to GMs with normal frequency contents. However, this may not lead to increased failure probabilities under GMs with high frequency contents.