Seismic Qualification of Large Equipment with Test-Verified Analytical Techniques

The seismic qualification of large structural items by analytical methods gains considerable credibility if the analytical techniques are verified by test-obtained modal data. Analytical seismic qualification of the McGuire Nuclear Station main control boards for Duke Power Company provide an example of the types of analysis procedures which are well suited to large structural pieces of equipment, and illustrate the enhancement of analytical results with modal test data. This approach resulted in an analytical seismic qualification which was suitable from both the standpoint of structural integrity assessments and defining required response spectra for component qualification.