An approach to determine criteria, codes and standards for the structural and mechanical design in nuclear power plants

This work presents a proposed approach to be used by professionals related to structural and mechanical design of nuclear power plants items to determine the applicable criteria, codes and standards. This approach, developed for PWR reactors, is based on the American licensing process for nuclear facilities. Indications are provided for the definition of the items safety functions and classifications, the plant and equipment operational conditions, the loadings and the loading combinations, the structural acceptance criteria, the procedures for design and analysis, the materials, testing and inservice surveillance. (author). 15 refs, 3 tabs