Non linear seismic analysis of charge/discharge machine

The Magnox Nuclear Power Station at Latina has undergone a design re-appraisal under revised seismic loadings. As part of this exercise the charge/discharge machine (CDM) has been analysed in three stages. Initially, a conservative, linear response spectrum analysis was carried out to assess the global response. This was followed by more detailed static stress analysis of structural members and components. The linear analysis necessitated a number of simplifying assumptions which on one hand are over-conservative and on the other lead to unrealistic dynamic behaviour. This paper describes the third phase of the analysis where the non-linear features of the CDM were taken into account.