Preparation of an inspection protocol for the structures of a nuclear reactor in accordance with IAEA safety guidelines

This thesis describes the implementation of an In-Service inspection (ISI) programme in accordance with the IAEA guidelines for assessment of structural integrity in nuclear research reactors, case study the RECH-1. The general aspects of the implementation of the ISI program are reviewed as well as the physical foundations of the application of the Non-Destructive Testing methods (Ultrasonic testing, Schmidt Hammer and Infrared Thermography) Measurements were taken and methods were developed for data processing and presentation in the context of structural integrity assessment. Finally, we discuss the results obtained by covering the documentary information and the physical phenomena involved. Recommended actions are proposed for future iterations of the ISI program