Foundation Engineering for Nuclear Plants: U.S. vs. European Code and Practice

Abstract

This paper reviews the current regulatory and industry practices in geotechnical investigations for nuclear power plants in the U.S. and Europe, with the intent to highlight the common features and underscore the differences. Specifically, applicable sections of regulatory and industry-established codes and practices are reviewed as relate to geotechnical practices and foundation engineering. Similarly, regulatory requirements such as those established by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the European equivalents will be reviewed. The paper serves as a vehicle to highlight industry and regulatory common grounds, as well as variations in the two practices, in the spirit of disseminating knowledge on codes and standards and facilitating international cooperation between the foundation engineering community in the U.S. and Europe.