Seismic Proving Test of Ultimate Piping Strength: Simulation Analysis of Simplified Piping System Test

The six-year program for the Seismic Proving Test of Ultimate Piping Strength has been running since 1998 with the following objectives: i) to clarify the elasto-plastic response and ultimate strength of nuclear piping, ii) to ascertain the seismic safety margin of the current seismic design code for piping, and iii) to assess new allowable stress rules. To resolve outstanding technical issues before proceeding on to a seismic proving test of a large-scale piping system, a series of preliminary tests of materials, piping components and simplified piping systems is intended. A simulation analysis related to the simplified piping system test is described with a focus on the methodology of the non-linear dynamic response analysis of the whole piping system and the strain behavior of the localized critical elements, such as elbows and nozzles.