Recent results of the containment performance programs

This paper provides the results of recent experimental and analytical studies conducted by Sandia National Laboratories to predict containment response under severe accident conditions. These studies, have previously included investigation into the behavior of steel containments when subjected to overpressurization. The thrust of this paper is to report the results of the recent test that was conducted on a 1:6-scale reinforced concrete containment model and of the test of a full-size personnel air lock. The paper first discusses the 1:6-scale concrete model (design, construction, instrumentation, and low- and high-pressure testing). The analyses performed on the model are discussed briefly; additional information may be obtained from the citations. The paper concludes with a description of the recent personnel air lock test. 15 refs., 13 figs., 2 tabs