Assessment of current Light Water Reactor piping design loadings based on operating experience

This paper will describe the results of a study which is being performed to assess the validity of current LWR piping design practices with specific regard to the specification of loadings. A comparison is made of current design loadings and loadings which have been experienced in operation. The sources of design loadings are currently accepted industry loadings as reflected in LWR Safety Analysis Reports and a limited survey of NSSS/A-E efforts relative to recently recognized loadings. The basis for operational loadings are actual field measured and observed responses for existing LWR piping systems under a full range of operating conditions