Prestress System for Nuclear Concrete Containment Domes

Nuclear concrete containments are prestressed with large force tendons in order to provide sufficient compression to counteract the tension forces induced during a postulated loss-of-coolant accident. Because of the nature of dome configurations, tendon arrangements require some special considerations with respect to their effectiveness and construction simplicity. Points deserving attention during the process of developing a tendon arrangement are examined. A systematic numerical approach to analyze dome tendon forces and their overall prestressing effects is described. Merits of the dome tendon arrangements built in the past are evaluated. Finally, an improved arrangement is suggested.