The objective of this paper is to assess the pressure capacity of the containment in the ultimate limit state at which the structural integrity is retained. For estimating the pressure capacity of the containment structure by deterministic structural simulation with the aid of computer simulation, the static nonlinear 3D finite element analysis will be needed for predicting the global response. In the case of un-bonded tendons, the possibility of slip between tendon and tendon duct should be enabled by some suitable modelling arrangement like with the use of slot connectors modelling the contact between tendon and grout or grease in the tendon duct. The simplest method to assess the ultimate pressure capacity of the post-tensioned concrete containment vessel (PCCV) is to use analytical formulas. This approach results in pressure-displacement, which gives the mid-height radial displacement in the cylindrical part of the containment plotted against the internal pressure. This curve exhibits five significant corner points, namely: 1) pressure to overcome pre-stress, 2) concrete cracking, 3) liner yield, 4) rebar yield, 5) tendon yield (=ultimate limit state). It will be shown in this paper that the use of analytical formulas the use simple formulas gives satisfactory results for the internal pressure values at these corner point compared to nonlinear finite element simulations or to experimental results.
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