Large-scale seismic test program at Hualien Taiwan

Abstract

The large scale seismic test (LSST) program at Hualien, Taiwan, is a follow-on to the soil-structure interaction (SSI) experiments at Lotung, Taiwan. The planned SSI studies are performed at a stiff soil site in Hualien, Taiwan, that historically has had slightly more destructive earthquakes in the past than Lotung. The objectives of the LSST program are as follows: to obtain earthquake-induced SSI data at a stiff soil site having similar prototypical nuclear power plant soil conditions; to confirm the findings and methodologies validated against the Lotung soft soil SSI data for prototypical plant condition applications; to validate further the technical basis of realistic SSI analysis approaches; to support further the resolution of USI A-40 “Seismic Design Criteria” issue. These objectives are accomplished through an integrated and carefully planned experimental program consisting of soil characterization, test model design and field construction, instrumentation layout and deployment, in situ geophysical information collection, forced vibration test, and synthesis of results and findings. The Hualien LSST is a joint effort among many interested parties. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) are the organizers of the program and have the lead in planning and managing the program. Other organizations participating in the LSST program are the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI), Tokyo Electric Power Compamy (TEPCO), Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique (CEA), Electricitéde France (EdF), Framatome, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS), and Korea Power Engineering Company (KOPEC). The LSST array started operation in June 1993, and is envisioned to be of five years duration.