Nuclear Power Plant Environment Management

Environmental management for nuclear power plants

When building and running a nuclear power plant, it is important to consider the environment that surrounds the facility. Your plans and operations should not only protect the surrounding area but ensure that local geography and potential natural disasters do not interfere with the running of the plant.

Building on the stable foundations

All construction work must be based on stable, safe foundations so load-bearing capacity, stability and groundwater conditions must be carefully calculated. This is particularly important for nuclear facilities where surface buildings and structures as well as underground tunnelling and services must be robust and secure.

TÜV SÜD’s geotechnical experts gather and analyse relevant data on on-site soil and rock formations that will support the foundations of any potential nuclear power plant. By determining mechanical and hydrogeological parameters in advance, you can maximise certainty in planning and minimise risks during construction.

TÜV SÜD geotechnical engineering services can also create 2D and 3D modelling to establish a complete picture on the stability, safety, deformation, and settlement of geotechnical structures including caverns, dams (earth, rockfill, concrete), embankments, excavation pits, foundations (deep and shallow), hydraulic fills, landfills, retaining walls, shafts, tailing dams and tunnels. We can also plan and scope out well systems, drains, pumps, and pipelines thanks to our hydrogeological and groundwater management services.

Minimising seismic hazards

Earthquakes and other seismic events pose particular challenges when planning and building a nuclear power plant. It is estimated that around 20% of nuclear power plants worldwide are located in areas of significant seismic activity. To meet the highest safety and quality standards, nuclear power plants must be designed to withstand once-in-a-lifetime earthquake magnitudes in seismic active areas. Furthermore, the construction of a reactor on hard rock foundations may result in a shift in the frequency band for vibrations, necessitating a site-specific seismic hazard analysis to ensure the plants' location on the most secure foundations.

TÜV SÜD offers comprehensive seismic hazard analyses and seismic design services. Our experts perform site-specific hazard analyses to estimate any possible seismic impact on buildings and facilities. You can then be sure that construction of the plant will meet local safety-related requirements and the risk from seismic events is minimised.

Take advantage of TÜV SÜD’s expertise

TÜV SÜD is an expert partner in environmental management for your nuclear power plant project. Our experts ensure your project is safe and compliant. You benefit from a single source of knowledge and support with years of experience gained from successful projects worldwide.