PCPV for BWR: experimental investigations up to collapse of 1:10 scale model

This paper deals with and outlines the problems and the solutions adopted for the modelling at 1:10 scale of a PCPV for a BWR station 1000 Mwel. that refers, as far as the internal dimensions are concerned, to the Scandinavian AB Atomenergi prototype and, as far as the PCPV structure is concerned, applies to the 'thin wall' ENEL concept and design philosophies. Namely, the paper refers to the phase B of the Italian ENEL-ISMES research; the phase A was the subject of the SMIRT-3 Paper H 3/4. This B phase is the most interesting, because it refers to the final integral solution (main structure plus removable LID) giving the most significant results of the tests carried out up to the collapse, and shows the typical solutions adopted to cope with the standard at very high modelling sophistications that was devised and pursued. In this B phase, side supporting tests have been carried out, up to the structural collapse, on two original solutions of removable prestressed concrete LID. The first, designed on the basis of the Dr. F.L. Scotto 'thin wall' philosophy, collapsed at 268 atm (collapse of hooping cable system). Therefore, a less conservative 'very thin' solution has been tested. The structural collapse of this 'very thin' LID was reached at a pressure of 174 atm because of the collapse of the hooping cable system. The test carried out for the LID was performed in order to make a safe and ponderate choice of the LID to be applied to the final model of the