Seismic design strategy for surface facilities at the prospective Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository

The seismic environment for the surface facilities is one of the most important design considerations of the prospective nuclear waste repository at the Yucca Mountain site. As the repository design progresses through the site characterization and advanced conceptual design, the seismic design strategy will be modified to resolve seismic design issues and to enhance confidence in the design. The strategy uses a combination of state-of-the-art methodologies in the seismic hazard analysis, seismic design, and seismic design margin evaluations to design and license the repository as a first-of-a-kind facility. This provides a high level of confidence that repository surface facilities will accommodate ground motions and potential surface displacements resulting from seismic events. The strategy also demonstrates compliance with regulatory requirements pertaining to the health and safety of the public and workers, as well as meeting functional requirements and economic considerations