Dynamic Failure Behavior Analysis of the Fuel Storage Silo Subjected to Blast Loads

Fuel storage silo, which is an interim dry storage facility of spent nuclear fuel, provides structural strength and radiation shielding. In this study, a numerical analysis was used to analyze the dynamic failure behavior of a fuel storage silo under blast loads and to present appropriate failure criteria. Damage, strain, and support rotation of the fuel storage silo were investigated considering the non-linearity and strain effect of the materials. The explosive condition and concrete strength were changed. The analyses results were compared with the failure criteria of each component. In all cases, reinforcement and liner were not damaged, but the concrete wall exceeded the failure criteria at several analyses. Considering the conservative characteristics of nuclear facilities and the importance of concrete to protect spent nuclear fuel while serving as a primary barrier from external loadings, concrete failure criteria was presented as criteria for silo evaluation.