Review of seismic isolation for nuclear structures. Special report, October 1979

The feasibility and application of isolation devices to protect nuclear structures from earthquakes are discussed. A comprehensive survey of proposed and adopted methods of seismic isolation in the civil engineering industry is presented. Those methods which are feasible for application in the nuclear industry are identified through a consideration of a number of constraints which are based on safety-related aspects, economics and practical design requirements. The potential of the feasible isolation methods are investigated through the published literature and previous studies conducted by Dames and Moore. A general discussion on the use of seismic isolation devices is presented along with recommendations for further investigation