Idaho Falls, ID

Idaho National Laboratory, Advanced Test Reactor Control Room Wall

Scope/Solutions

The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) supports research and testing of materials for use in large-scale and prototype reactors. Previous analyses indicated that the eastern partition walls of the control room inside the reactor building have insufficient out-of-plane capacity to resist a design earthquake. SGH evaluated and designed upgrades for the unreinforced concrete masonry partition walls that support numerous equipment and utility lines.

For this project, SGH performed a structural evaluation and designed the upgrades for the masonry partition walls at the east side of the control room for Performance Category 4 (PC-4) compliance. Upgrades include:

  • New vertical and horizontal steel strong backs strategically located to minimize interference with existing equipment and utilities
  • One-sided and through-bolted connections to ungrouted concrete masonry walls
  • Various top and base anchorage details
  • Options for bolted and welded connections to existing structural steel that do not require reinforcement of existing components

We prepared calculations, design drawings, and specifications; and delivered a formal presentation to our client. Our work was independently reviewed and accepted.

Project Summary

Solutions
Repair & Rehabilitation
Services
Structures | Advanced Analysis
Markets
Energy
Client(s)
Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA)
Specialized Capabilities
Seismic Engineering | Repair & Strengthening | Nuclear

Key team members

Philip Hashimoto
Philip Hashimoto
Senior Principal
Michael Mudlock
Michael Mudlock
Associate Principal