Evaluation of nuclear power plant concrete to maintain continued service

Nuclear power plant concrete structures in addition to satisfying structural requirements are a major part of the safety and containment systems. As a result, the structures are required to operate satisfactorily for the life of the plant and until well after decommissioning. Successful life management requires an understanding of potential degradation mechanisms that can impact on the performance of these structures, regular well planned inspection programs and the use of specialized repair and maintenance programs. These aspects of nuclear life management are discussed with an example of inspection and repair conducted at one of Ontario Hydro's nuclear generating stations. The example is discussed in terms of the performance requirements of the containment concrete. The plant referred to has been in operation for over 20 years, making it currently the oldest operating commercial nuclear power plant in Ontario, Canada. The information on the concrete containment structures included baseline construction data on the concrete material properties and the results of periodic scheduled and other interim specialized inspections. Also available were the results of laboratory testing of concrete cores obtained from the structures. The data from these inspections and laboratory testing were used to monitor the aging characteristics of the structures and to plan appropriate repair activities. (author)