Improving Constructability of the New Generation Nuclear Construction

摘要

Preliminary indications are that new generation nuclear structures will need significant amount of reinforcement in order to make them conform to the current regulatory requirements, Codes and Standards. The concern is that amount of reinforcement required is likely to cause congestion and consequent concrete placement problems thus impacting constructability of new generation nuclear plant structures. This paper discusses the various causes that contribute to this situation. Several practical ways to mitigate this situation are discussed which include improving the analysis and design process to remove some of the conservatism, use of higher grade reinforcement, use of headed bars and mechanical splices instead of lap splices, modelling of rebar and embeds to head off potential interferences and last but not the least, use of a high-performance mix that improves ease of placement and consolidation.