Despite its potential benefits in producing carbon-free electricity, nuclear energy also presents unique challenges in terms of structural safety and environmental protection. Here, we delve deeper into this form of energy and its challenges.

What is Nuclear Energy?

Nuclear energy is based on nuclear fission, where the nuclei of heavy atoms, such as uranium, split into smaller fragments, releasing significant heat energy. This energy is used to generate electricity in nuclear power plants, where the fission process is carefully controlled.

“Nuclear fission is a reaction where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, while releasing energy.

For instance, when hit by a neutron, the nucleus of an atom of uranium-235 splits into two smaller nuclei, for example a barium nucleus and a krypton nucleus and two or three neutrons. These extra neutrons will hit other surrounding uranium-235 atoms, which will also split and generate additional neutrons in a multiplying effect, thus generating a chain reaction in a fraction of a second.

Each time the reaction occurs, there is a release of energy in the form of heat and radiation. The heat can be converted into electricity in a nuclear power plant, similarly to how heat from fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil is used to generate electricity.”  (Andrea Galindo, 2022).

V.C. Summer Nuclear Station, Columbia SC

Sensitivity to Natural Disasters and Accidents

Nuclear power plants are susceptible to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and accidents caused by human error or system failures. Therefore, the buildings that house reactors and critical components must be capable of withstanding high-intensity earthquakes and explosions, ensuring that radiation remains within permitted limits in the event of an accident.

Nuclear Waste Storage Structures

Another critical aspect of nuclear safety is the proper storage of nuclear waste. These highly radioactive and hazardous materials must be securely stored for thousands of years. Nuclear waste storage structures are designed to withstand extreme conditions and ensure that radiation remains confined and controlled.

Innovation in Structural Design for Nuclear Plants

Given the challenges of nuclear power plants, conventional design methods are becoming obsolete, necessitating more advanced tools and techniques. Finite element methods and dynamic no-linear analyses have become fundamental in designing these structures, allowing engineers to evaluate their capacity to withstand and absorb forces generated by extreme events.

Regulations and Government Guidelines

Stringent regulations and design codes govern structural safety in the nuclear industry. Notable among these is the ACI 349 code, issued by the American Concrete Institute (ACI), which provides specific guidelines for designing structures in nuclear environments, and the ASCE 4 code, developed by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), which addresses seismic analysis for nuclear safety. These codes are essential for ensuring the integrity and safety of structures in nuclear power plants and other nuclear-related facilities.

Global Importance of Nuclear Energy

According to the Nuclear Forum, the 422 reactors operating in 33 countries produce about 10.5% of the world's electricity. According to the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as of December 2022, 58 units were under construction in 18 countries, including China, India, South Korea, Russia, and Turkey. All these countries, aware of the energy and environmental challenges, are building new plants because they consider nuclear energy an essential source for their present and future.

Powerlines and 6 blocks of the Graveline nuclear power plant on the French coast between Calais and Dunkirk.

United States Leadership in Nuclear Energy

The United States leads the nuclear industry with 92 operational reactors, generating nearly 20% of the country's energy. According to the Nuclear Forum, it also grants operating permits of up to 80 years.

In summary, while nuclear energy presents significant structural safety and environmental protection challenges, structural engineering is at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Structural engineering plays a crucial role in transitioning to a more sustainable future, from designing robust nuclear power plants to constructing secure nuclear waste storage facilities. Follow us to learn more!

References

Inicio - Foro Nuclear

What is Nuclear Energy? The Science of Nuclear Power | IAEA