Nuclear radiation effect on the behavior of reinforced concrete elements

This paper investigates the effects of radiation on structural strength of reinforced concrete (RC) 2-D panels, which represent typical elements of nuclear power plants (NPPs) structures. Reduction in concrete compressive and tensile strength due to radiation exposure was determined based on extensive literature review. Material properties, geometry, and load cases are selected based on structural characteristics of the components in the existing nuclear power plants. A nonlinear analysis program, Membrane-2000, based on the Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT) is used to compute the response of RC elements, which include ultimate strength capacity, and ductility index. The results show that ultimate shear capacity of highly reinforced elements subjected to combinations of shear and tension loading are reduced significantly in the highest radiation exposure category. The RC panels under shear-biaxial and uniaxial compression show significant reduction in strength in high and moderate radiation levels. Failure modes of the elements change from yielding of steel to shear failure with increasing radiation exposure. Also, ductility of the RC panels is reduced when they are exposed to the high levels of radiation.