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Shake tests improve seismic safety of dry storage systems

Wednesday, 24 July 2024

Researchers subjected two full-sized dry storage systems for used nuclear fuel to simulated seismic events to help improve understanding of the potential impacts of earthquakes on fuel in storage at more than 70 US reactor sites.

Shake tests improve seismic safety of dry storage systems — One of the casks on the shake table: high-speed cameras and sensors were used to gather data from the simulated seismic events (Image: DOE)

US Department of Energy (DOE) researchers used a specialised outdoor shake table at the University of California San Diego to carry out the tests on a full-scale vertical cask weighing 125 tonnes and a 111-tonne horizontal storage system. Both casks were equipped with dummy fuel assemblies and more than 240 sensors to collect data on around 40 different seismic simulations, DOE said.

The storage systems that are already in use in the USA are designed to withstand significant seismic loads. The data from these tests will be used to evaluate the impacts of potential seismic events on the used fuel inside the casks - particularly the fuel cladding - and to inform the design and licensing of future storage systems for used fuel. It will also help improve current practices.

"Building public trust through transparent and rigorous testing is a key objective of this initiative," Deputy Assistant Secretary for Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Waste Disposition Paul Murray said. "These tests have yielded valuable data on the performance of spent nuclear fuel storage systems during seismic events. The insights gained are essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of these systems, which is crucial for long-term storage solutions."

The seismic tests were funded by the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy's Spent Fuel and High-Level Waste Disposition programme.

A video of the tests can be seen on the DOE's YouTube channel.