Seismic structural response analysis considering fault-structure system; Application to nuclear power plant structures

Quinay, P. E. B.; Ichimura, Tsuyoshi*; Hori, Muneo*; Wijerathne, M. L. L.*; Nishida, Akemi  

In this paper, we conducted a numerical analysis based on a fault-structure system. We developed a full three dimensional model that includes from a fault to structures at the surface. However, huge computational cost is required to solve these components simultaneously. Ichimura and Hori (2009a) presented a macro-micro analysis method based on singular perturbation expansion to reduce computational cost. We implemented a highly tuned finite-element code for macro-micro analysis systems to handle large-scale wave propagation in a complicated crust structure as well as the seismic response of a structure at the surface. After verifying the accuracy by comparing the results with analytical Green's function solutions, we demonstrate a seismic response using a model of a nuclear power plant structure. Our methodology can enable detailed prediction of the seismic response of a nuclear facility, permitting the generation of more reliable estimates of the seismic safety of nuclear facilities.