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{{#Wiki_filter:CATEGORY1REGULATORY INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM(RIDS)ACCESSXON NBR:9902100108 DOC.DATE:
{{#Wiki_filter:CATEGORY 1 REGULATORY INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (RIDS)ACCESSXON NBR:9902100108 DOC.DATE: 99/02/02 NOTARIZED:
99/02/02NOTARIZED:
NO FACXL:50-244 Robert Emmet Ginna Nuclear Plant, Unit 1, Rochester G ,,AUTH.NAME, AUTHOR AFFILIATION MECREDY,R.C.
NOFACXL:50-244 RobertEmmetGinnaNuclearPlant,Unit1,Rochester G,,AUTH.NAME,AUTHORAFFILIATION MECREDY,R.C.
Rochester Gas S Electric Corp.RECIP.NAME RECIPIENT AFFILIATION VISSING,G.
Rochester GasSElectricCorp.RECIP.NAME RECIPIENT AFFILIATION VISSING,G.
DOCKET 05000244
DOCKET05000244


==SUBJECT:==
==SUBJECT:==
ForwardsresponsetoNRC981203RAIreresolution ofunresolved safetyi'@sueUSXA-46.DISTRIBUTION CODE:A025DCOPIESRECEIVED:LTR ENCLSIZE:TITLE:SeismicQualification ofEquipment inOperating PlantsNOTES:License Expdateinaccordance with10CFR2,2.109(9/19/72)
Forwards response to NRC 981203 RAI re resolution of unresolved safety i'@sue USX A-46.DISTRIBUTION CODE: A025D COPIES RECEIVED:LTR ENCL SIZE: TITLE: Seismic Qualification of Equipment in Operating Plants NOTES:License Exp date in accordance with 10CFR2,2.109(9/19/72)
A-46-GL-87'05000244ERECIPIENT IDCODE/NAME OGC/HDS3VISSING,G.
A-46-GL-87'05000244 E RECIPIENT ID CODE/NAME OGC/HDS3 VISSING,G.
XNTERNAILECENTER01NREGBNRR/DRCH/HICB NRR/DRPE/PD1-3 EXTERNAL:
XNTERNA ILE CENTER 01 NR E GB NRR/DRCH/HICB NRR/DRPE/PD1-3 EXTERNAL: NRC PDR COPIES RECIPIENT LTTR ENCQ ID CODE/NAME 1 1 X PD1-1 PD 1 1 MPR/DE 1 1 NRR/DE/EMEB 1 1 NRR/DRCH/HOHB 1 1 NRR/DISA/SRXB 1 1 COPIES LTTR ENCL 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 N NOTE TO ALL"RIDS" RECIPIENTS:
NRCPDRCOPIESRECIPIENT LTTRENCQIDCODE/NAME 11XPD1-1PD11MPR/DE11NRR/DE/EMEB 11NRR/DRCH/HOHB 11NRR/DISA/SRXB 11COPIESLTTRENCL111121111NNOTETOALL"RIDS"RECIPIENTS:
PLEASE HELP US TO REDUCE WASTE.TO HAVE YOUR NAME OR ORGANIZATION REMOVED FROM DISTRIBUTION LISTS OR REDUCE THE NUMBER OF COPIES RECEIVED BY YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION, CONTACT THE DOCUMENT CONTROL DESK (DCD)ON EXTENSION 415-2083 TOTAL NUMBER OF COPIES REQUXRED: LTTR 13 ENCL 13 V C 4 Ar)rn ROCHESTER GAS AND ElECTRIC CORPORATION
PLEASEHELPUSTOREDUCEWASTE.TOHAVEYOURNAMEORORGANIZATION REMOVEDFROMDISTRIBUTION LISTSORREDUCETHENUMBEROFCOPIESRECEIVEDBYYOUORYOURORGANIZATION, CONTACTTHEDOCUMENTCONTROLDESK(DCD)ONEXTENSION 415-2083TOTALNUMBEROFCOPIESREQUXRED:
~89 FAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER N.Y.Id6d9.0001 ROBERT C.MECREDY Vice President Nuclear Operating Group AREA CODE 716 546-2700 February 2, 1999 U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission Document Control Desk ATTN: Guy Vissing Project Directorate I-1 Washington, D.C.20555-0001
LTTR13ENCL13 VC4 Ar)rnROCHESTER GASANDElECTRICCORPORATION
~89FASTAVENUE,ROCHESTER N.Y.Id6d9.0001 ROBERTC.MECREDYVicePresident NuclearOperating GroupAREACODE716546-2700February2,1999U.S.NuclearRegulatory Commission DocumentControlDeskATTN:GuyVissingProjectDirectorate I-1Washington, D.C.20555-0001


==Subject:==
==Subject:==
ResponsetoNRC"SecondRequestforAdditional Information" (RAI)ontheresolution ofUnresolved SafetyIssue(USI)A-46.R.E.GinnaNuclearPowerPlantDocketNo.50/244
Response to NRC"Second Request for Additional Information" (RAI)on the resolution of Unresolved Safety Issue (USI)A-46.R.E.Ginna Nuclear Power Plant Docket No.50/244  


==Reference:==
==Reference:==


A.LetterfromRobertC.Mecredy(RGEE)toDocumentControlDesk(NRC),datedJanuary31,1997,"Resolution ofGenericLetter87-02,Supplement 1andGenericLetter88-20,Supplements 4and5(SeismicEventsOnly)."B.C.LetterfromGuyS.Vissing(NRC)toDr.RobertC.Mecredy(RGRE),datedApril6,1998,"RequestforAdditional Information ontheresolution ofUnresolved SafetyIssue(USI)A-46."LetterfromRobertC.Mecredy(RG&E)toDocumentControlDesk(NRC),datedMay27,1998,"Response toRAIonUSIA-46."D.
A.Letter from Robert C.Mecredy (RGEE)to Document Control Desk (NRC), dated January 31, 1997,"Resolution of Generic Letter 87-02, Supplement 1 and Generic Letter 88-20, Supplements 4 and 5 (Seismic Events Only)." B.C.Letter from Guy S.Vissing (NRC)to Dr.Robert C.Mecredy (RGRE), dated April 6, 1998,"Request for Additional Information on the resolution of Unresolved Safety Issue (USI)A-46." Letter from Robert C.Mecredy (RG&E)to Document Control Desk (NRC), dated May 27, 1998,"Response to RAI on USI A-46." D.


==DearMr.Vissing:==
==Dear Mr.Vissing:==
LetterfromGuyS.Vissing(NRC)toDr.RobertC.Mecredy,datedDecember3,1998,"SecondRequestforAdditional Information".
Letter from Guy S.Vissing (NRC)to Dr.Robert C.Mecredy, dated December 3, 1998,"Second Request for Additional Information".
1(/QOThisletterprovidesresponses totheNRC's"RequestforAdditional Information" (RAI),datedDecember3,1998(Ref.D).Enclosures 1and2alongwiththeparagraphs belowrespondtoQuestion1partsaandbregarding theuseofGIP"MethodA"atGinnaStation.Responses toquestions 2,3and4regarding specificSQUGscreening methodsandtestingdataareprovidedinEnclosure 3.9902i00108 990202PDRADQCK05000244PPDR Theuseof"GIPMethodA"isdescribed intheGenericImplementation Procedure, Revision2(GIP-2),theSupplemental SafetyEvaluation ReportNo.2(SSERNo.2),andthedocuments referenced inGIP-2uponwhichGIP-2isbased.RG&EusedMethodAtoestimateseismicdemandforcertainequipment within40feetofeffective gradeatGinna.TheNRChasquestioned RG&E'suseofMethodAonthebasisthatMethodAmaybeusedonlyiftheamplification factorbetweenthefree-field groundresponsespectrum(GRS)andthecalculated in-structure responsespectra(ISRS)beingusedbytheplantisnotmorethanabout1.5.TheNRCpositionisbasedontheirinterpretation ofthelanguageonpage4-16oftheGIPwhichsaysthat"theamplification factorbetweenthefree-field responsespectraandthein-structure responsespectrawillnotbemorethanabout1.5...".Rochester GasandElectricdoesnotagreewiththeNRC'sinterpretation.
1 (/QO This letter provides responses to the NRC's"Request for Additional Information" (RAI), dated December 3, 1998 (Ref.D).Enclosures 1 and 2 along with the paragraphs below respond to Question 1 parts a and b regarding the use of GIP"Method A" at Ginna Station.Responses to questions 2, 3 and 4 regarding specific SQUG screening methods and testing data are provided in Enclosure 3.9902i00108 990202 PDR ADQCK 05000244 P PDR The use of"GIP Method A" is described in the Generic Implementation Procedure, Revision 2 (GIP-2), the Supplemental Safety Evaluation Report No.2 (SSER No.2), and the documents referenced in GIP-2 upon which GIP-2 is based.RG&E used Method A to estimate seismic demand for certain equipment within 40 feet of effective grade at Ginna.The NRC has questioned RG&E's use of Method A on the basis that Method A may be used only if the amplification factor between the free-field ground response spectrum (GRS)and the calculated in-structure response spectra (ISRS)being used by the plant is not more than about 1.5.The NRC position is based on their interpretation of the language on page 4-16 of the GIP which says that"the amplification factor between the free-field response spectra and the in-structure response spectra will not be more than about 1.5...".Rochester Gas and Electric does not agree with the NRC's interpretation.
ItisRG&E'spositionthattheapproachusedforapplyingandimplementing GIPMethodAforestimation oftheseismicdemandonequipment atGinnaforresolution oftheUSIA-46programisappropriate andtechnically justified.
It is RG&E's position that the approach used for applying and implementing GIP Method A for estimation of the seismic demand on equipment at Ginna for resolution of the USI A-46 program is appropriate and technically justified.
DetailedbasesareprovidedinEnclosure 1.WithrespecttotheNRC'squestionregarding differences betweenthein-structure responsespectraandthe1.5xgroundresponsespectra,RG&Enotesthatthesespectraweregenerated usingconservative methodsandassumptions (typicalofmostnuclearplantresponseanalyses) whichartificially increased theamplifications overthosewhichwouldbeexpectedinanactualearthquake.
Detailed bases are provided in Enclosure 1.With respect to the NRC's question regarding differences between the in-structure response spectra and the 1.5x ground response spectra, RG&E notes that these spectra were generated using conservative methods and assumptions (typical of most nuclear plant response analyses)which artificially increased the amplifications over those which would be expected in an actual earthquake.
Adetailedqualitative assessment oftheseconservatisms areprovidedinEnclosure 2.Basedontheabove,andtheinformation inEnclosures 1and2,webelievethatRG&Ehasproperlyinterpreted theconditions onuseofMethodA,andthattheseconditions appeartohavebeenunderstood andacceptedbytheNRCstaffuntilrecently, afterRG&Ecompleted'the USIA-46reviewsatGinna.Tochangethisinterpretation atthisstageintheprogramforresolution ofA-46wouldbeinconsistent withthespiritandintentofA-46andwouldalsorequirereworkofequipment oradditional analysesandevaluations withoutacommensurate safetybenefit.PleasecontactGeorgeWrobelat(716)771-3535ifyouhaveanyadditional questions.
A detailed qualitative assessment of these conservatisms are provided in Enclosure 2.Based on the above, and the information in Enclosures 1 and 2, we believe that RG&E has properly interpreted the conditions on use of Method A, and that these conditions appear to have been understood and accepted by the NRC staff until recently, after RG&E completed'the USI A-46 reviews at Ginna.To change this interpretation at this stage in the program for resolution of A-46 would be inconsistent with the spirit and intent of A-46 and would also require rework of equipment or additional analyses and evaluations without a commensurate safety benefit.Please contact George Wrobel at (716)771-3535 if you have any additional questions.
Verytrulyyours,RobertC.Mecredy Enclosures (3)xc:Mr.GuyS.Vissing(MailStop14B2)ProjectDirectorate I-1DivisionofReactorProjects-I/IIOfficeofNuclearReactorRegulation U.S.NuclearRegulatory Commission Washington, D.C.20555RegionalAdministrator, RegionIU.S.NuclearRegulatory Commission 475Allendale RoadKingofPrussia,PA19406Mr.P.DrysdaleU.S.NRCGinnaSeniorResidentInspector Enclosure 1BasesforInterpretation andImplementation ofGXP-2RulesforMethodAItisRochester GasandElectric's positionthatRochester's GinnaStationhasproperlyinterpreted andimplemented therulesforuseofGIPMethodAaspreviously reviewedandacceptedbytheNRC.Thebasesforthispositionareasfollows:SQUGandRochester GasandElectric's Interpretation oftheGIPThecautiongivenonpage4-16ofGIP-2liststwolimitations onuseofMethodA:Equipment shouldbemountedinthenuclearplantbelowabout40feetabovetheeffective grade,andEquipment shouldhaveafundamental naturalfrequency greaterthanabout8Hz.Theintroductory wordinginGIP-2forthesetwolimitations providesthebasesorpurposesforimposingthem,namely(1)tolimitamplification tonomorethanabout1.5and(2)toavoidthehigh-energy frequency rangeofearthquakes.
Very truly yours, Robert C.Mecredy Enclosures (3)xc: Mr.Guy S.Vissing (Mail Stop 14B2)Project Directorate I-1 Division of Reactor Projects-I/II Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C.20555 Regional Administrator, Region I U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission 475 Allendale Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Mr.P.Drysdale U.S.NRC Ginna Senior Resident Inspector  Bases for Interpretation and Implementation of GXP-2 Rules for Method A It is Rochester Gas and Electric's position that Rochester's Ginna Station has properly interpreted and implemented the rules for use of GIP Method A as previously reviewed and accepted by the NRC.The bases for this position are as follows: SQUG and Rochester Gas and Electric's Interpretation of the GIP The caution given on page 4-16 of GIP-2 lists two limitations on use of Method A: Equipment should be mounted in the nuclear plant below about 40 feet above the effective grade, and Equipment should have a fundamental natural frequency greater than about 8 Hz.The introductory wording in GIP-2 for these two limitations provides the bases or purposes for imposing them, namely (1)to limit amplification to no more than about 1.5 and (2)to avoid the high-energy frequency range of earthquakes.
Thespecificlimitations whichareintendedbytheSQUG/NRCexpertpanel(SSRAP)andSQUGtosatisfythesebasesareincludedinthetwobulleteditemslistedabove.Thestatement onpage4-16that"theamplification willnotexceedabout1.5"istheexpectedresultofmeetingtheabovelimitations, notathirdcondition.
The specific limitations which are intended by the SQUG/NRC expert panel (SSRAP)and SQUG to satisfy these bases are included in the two bulleted items listed above.The statement on page 4-16 that"the amplification will not exceed about 1.5" is the expected result of meeting the above limitations, not a third condition.
Atnotimewasacomparison ofMethodAamplification withthatofcalculated ISRSeverintended.
At no time was a comparison of Method A amplification with that of calculated ISRS ever intended.In fact, the entire context of the caution on page 4-16 of GIP-2 makes clear that the advantage of Method A is that equipment meeting the two bulleted limitations above"can be evaluated without the need for using in-structure response spectra..." 2.The Intent of the GIP is Clear and SSRAP Agrees The GIP (page 4-11)cites the SSRAP report as the basis for the Bounding Spectrum which is used in Method A, and requires users to read and understand it.The SSRAP report clearly explains the limitations and conditions which appear on page 4-16 of the GIP.SSRAP's report states:  
Infact,theentirecontextofthecautiononpage4-16ofGIP-2makesclearthattheadvantage ofMethodAisthatequipment meetingthetwobulletedlimitations above"canbeevaluated withouttheneedforusingin-structure responsespectra..."
"Thus, it is SSRAP's judgment that amplifications greater than a factor of 1.5 are unlikely in stiff structures at elevations less than 40 feet above grade except possibly at the fundamental frequency of the building where higher amplifications occur when such a frequency is less than about 6 Hz.Thus, for equipment with fundamental frequencies greater than about 8 Hz in the as-anchored condition it was judged that floor spectral amplifications within 40 feet of grade would be less than 1.5 when reasonably computed using more median centered approaches."[SSRAP Report, page 102]The SSRAP Chairman and developer of Method A, Dr.Robert Kennedy, was contacted by SQUG and concurs with the interpretation given in item 1 above.The NRC Was Aware of SQUG's Interpretation When It Was Developed The NRC backfit analysis in NUREG-1211, which justifies implementation of the USI A-46 program by affected licensees, relies on the conclusions reached by SSRAP in their review of seismic experience data.NUREG-1211 states the following: "The NRC staff has closely followed the SSRAP work and is in broad agreement with its conclusions.
2.TheIntentoftheGIPisClearandSSRAPAgreesTheGIP(page4-11)citestheSSRAPreportasthebasisfortheBoundingSpectrumwhichisusedinMethodA,andrequiresuserstoreadandunderstand it.TheSSRAPreportclearlyexplainsthelimitations andconditions whichappearonpage4-16oftheGIP.SSRAP'sreportstates:  
The staff has concluded that if the SSRAP spectral conditions are met, it is generally unnecessary to perform explicit seismic qualification on the eight (1)classes of equipment studied."[NUREG-1211, page 17](1)The eight classes of equipment cited in NUREG-1211 were later expanded to 20 equipment classes.Note that this quotation specifically makes reference to the SSRAP"spectral conditions." The spectral conditions are described in SQUG's position given above and were included in GIP-2.The use of Method A was previously reviewed and accepted by the NRC and SSRAP representatives during two pilot plant reviews conducted in 1987 and 1988.These reviews are documented in GIP-2 References 16 and 25.The specific material presented to the NRC representatives on use of Method A is described in the report of the BWR pilot review as shown in Figure 1.Note that the seismic demand criteria described during this trial plant review are the same as described in item 1 above.NRC and SSRAP representatives raised no objections to the approach used by SQUG in conducting these trial plant reviews.The topics discussed with and comments made by NRC and SSRAP representatives during the BWR pilot'eview are included in Figure 2;note that seismic demand information was discussed in some detail.
"Thus,itisSSRAP'sjudgmentthatamplifications greaterthanafactorof1.5areunlikelyinstiffstructures atelevations lessthan40feetabovegradeexceptpossiblyatthefundamental frequency ofthebuildingwherehigheramplifications occurwhensuchafrequency islessthanabout6Hz.Thus,forequipment withfundamental frequencies greaterthanabout8Hzintheas-anchored condition itwasjudgedthatfloorspectralamplifications within40feetofgradewouldbelessthan1.5whenreasonably computedusingmoremediancenteredapproaches."
The Rochester Gas&Electric/SQUG interpretation of the rules for applying Method A is also consistent with the SQUG training course on use of the GIP methods'igure 3 is an excerpt from the class notes used during this course.It shows, in Slide 26, several screening methods for comparing equipment capacity to demand.Screen 52 illustrates uses of GIP Method A as described in Item 1 above'hat is, if equipment is below 40 feet and above 8 Hz, and the Bounding Spectrum envelopes the ground response spectrum, the equipment is acceptable.
[SSRAPReport,page102]TheSSRAPChairmananddeveloper ofMethodA,Dr.RobertKennedy,wascontacted bySQUGandconcurswiththeinterpretation giveninitem1above.TheNRCWasAwareofSQUG'sInterpretation WhenItWasDeveloped TheNRCbackfitanalysisinNUREG-1211, whichjustifies implementation oftheUSIA-46programbyaffectedlicensees, reliesontheconclusions reachedbySSRAPintheirreviewofseismicexperience data.NUREG-1211 statesthefollowing:
This training material was used during the first session of the SQUG training course held during the week of June 22, 1993.Two NRC staff members (P.Y.Chen, Michael McBrearty) and a NRC contractor (Kamal Bandyopodhyay) attended this initial session and later provided comments on the training course in a letter dated August 28, 1992.The NRC did not raise any objections to the approach taught by SQUG in this course for applying Method A.Subsequent to this initial session of the course, 11 additional NRC staff members and contractors attended other sessions of this course;similarly, none of them raised objections to how SQUG was teaching use of GIP Method A.NRC Interpretation Renders Method A Not Useful The..NRC interpretation is that Method A can be used only when calculated ISRS are less than 1.5x GRS.This interpretation negates the value of using Method A because it could only be used when it produces higher seismic demand than Method B where calculated ISRS are used.Under this interpretation, Method A would never be used.This is inconsistent with Method A'development and use, and was never the intent.
"TheNRCstaffhascloselyfollowedtheSSRAPworkandisinbroadagreement withitsconclusions.
FIGURE j.(Figure 1 contains an excerpt from GIP-2, Reference 25, which shows the seismic demand criteria used during the BWR Trial Plant Review.)SEISMIC DEMAND CRITERIA APPLICATION DEMAND CRITERIA Equipment in experience data base and less than 40'bove 243', and fundamental frequency greater than 8 Hz.1.Compare ground Spectra with bounding spectrum (Figure 3.1 in SSRAP report).Equipment in experience data base over 40'bove 243'over 281'levation) or fundamental frequency less than 8 Hz.Equipment covered by GERS (any elevation, frequency).
Thestaffhasconcluded thatiftheSSRAPspectralconditions aremet,itisgenerally unnecessary toperformexplicitseismicqualification ontheeight(1)classesofequipment studied."
Compare amplified floor response spectra with 1.5 x bounding spectrum (Figure R1....,Rn, TI,...,Tn).
[NUREG-1211, page17](1)Theeightclassesofequipment citedinNUREG-1211 werelaterexpandedto20equipment classes.Notethatthisquotation specifically makesreference totheSSRAP"spectral conditions."
Compare amplified floor spectra (median-centered) with 2/3 x SERS for specific equipment class.4~Anchorage evaluation and equipment-specific stress checks (excluding valves): Equipment within 40'f"grade" (elevation 281'nd below)and fundamental frequency less than 8 Hz.Equipment at any elevation.
Thespectralconditions aredescribed inSQUG'spositiongivenaboveandwereincludedinGIP-2.TheuseofMethodAwaspreviously reviewedandacceptedbytheNRCandSSRAPrepresentatives duringtwopilotplantreviewsconducted in1987and1988.Thesereviewsaredocumented inGIP-2References 16and25.Thespecificmaterialpresented totheNRCrepresentatives onuseofMethodAisdescribed inthereportoftheBWRpilotreviewasshowninFigure1.Notethattheseismicdemandcriteriadescribed duringthistrialplantreviewarethesameasdescribed initem1above.NRCandSSRAPrepresentatives raisednoobjections totheapproachusedbySQUGinconducting thesetrialplantreviews.Thetopicsdiscussed withandcommentsmadebyNRCandSSRAPrepresentatives duringtheBWRpilot'eview areincludedinFigure2;notethatseismicdemandinformation wasdiscussed insomedetail.
Utilize accelerations from (1.5 x ground spectra)x 1.25.Utilize accelerations from median-centered amplif ied floor response spectra x 1.25.Equivalent static load factor for all equipment (except valves).Static load check for valve operator/yoke checks.Using appropriate spectra with multiplier, use: Peak acceleration for flexible equipment.
TheRochester Gas&Electric/SQUG interpretation oftherulesforapplyingMethodAisalsoconsistent withtheSQUGtrainingcourseonuseoftheGIPmethods'igure 3isanexcerptfromtheclassnotesusedduringthiscourse.Itshows,inSlide26,severalscreening methodsforcomparing equipment capacitytodemand.Screen52illustrates usesofGIPMethodAasdescribed inItem1above'hat is,ifequipment isbelow40feetandabove8Hz,andtheBoundingSpectrumenvelopes thegroundresponsespectrum, theequipment isacceptable.
ZPA for rigid equipment.
ThistrainingmaterialwasusedduringthefirstsessionoftheSQUGtrainingcourseheldduringtheweekofJune22,1993.TwoNRCstaffmembers(P.Y.Chen,MichaelMcBrearty) andaNRCcontractor (KamalBandyopodhyay) attendedthisinitialsessionandlaterprovidedcommentsonthetrainingcourseinaletterdatedAugust28,1992.TheNRCdidnotraiseanyobjections totheapproachtaughtbySQUGinthiscourseforapplyingMethodA.Subsequent tothisinitialsessionofthecourse,11additional NRCstaffmembersandcontractors attendedothersessionsofthiscourse;similarly, noneofthemraisedobjections tohowSQUGwasteachinguseofGIPMethodA.NRCInterpretation RendersMethodANotUsefulThe..NRCinterpretation isthatMethodAcanbeusedonlywhencalculated ISRSarelessthan1.5xGRS.Thisinterpretation negatesthevalueofusingMethodAbecauseitcouldonlybeusedwhenitproduceshigherseismicdemandthanMethodBwherecalculated ISRSareused.Underthisinterpretation, MethodAwouldneverbeused.Thisisinconsistent withMethodA'development anduse,andwasnevertheintent.
Acceleration at calculated fundamental frequency.
FIGUREj.(Figure1containsanexcerptfromGIP-2,Reference 25,whichshowstheseismicdemandcriteriausedduringtheBWRTrialPlantReview.)SEISMICDEMANDCRITERIAAPPLICATION DEMANDCRITERIAEquipment inexperience databaseandlessthan40'bove243',andfundamental frequency greaterthan8Hz.1.ComparegroundSpectrawithboundingspectrum(Figure3.1inSSRAPreport).Equipment inexperience databaseover40'bove243'over281'levation) orfundamental frequency lessthan8Hz.Equipment coveredbyGERS(anyelevation, frequency).
3G, Weak direction.
Compareamplified floorresponsespectrawith1.5xboundingspectrum(FigureR1....,Rn, TI,...,Tn).
Note: In general, for equipment.
Compareamplified floorspectra(median-centered) with2/3xSERSforspecificequipment class.4~Anchorage evaluation andequipment-specific stresschecks(excluding valves):Equipment within40'f"grade"(elevation 281'ndbelow)andfundamental frequency lessthan8Hz.Equipment atanyelevation.
with fundamental frequency greater than 8 Hz and within 40'f grade.1.5 x ground spectra may be used as an estimate of median-centered amplified floor spectra.
Utilizeaccelerations from(1.5xgroundspectra)x1.25.Utilizeaccelerations frommedian-centered amplifiedfloorresponsespectrax1.25.Equivalent staticloadfactorforallequipment (exceptvalves).Staticloadcheckforvalveoperator/yoke checks.Usingappropriate spectrawithmultiplier, use:Peakacceleration forflexibleequipment.
FIGURE 2 (Figure 2 contains an excerpt from GZP-2, Reference 25, which summarizes the SSRAP and NRC comments on the BWR Trial Plant Review)Section 8 SENIOR SEISMIC REVIEW AND ADVISORY PANEL (SSRAP)AND NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (NRC)REVIEWS Representatives of SSRAP and the NRC attended the NMP-1 walkdown on February 1st through 3rd (Days 8 through 10).On February 1st, following radiation protection training and dosimetry issuance, the SSRAP and NRC representatives were briefed on the organization and conduct of the NMP-1 walkdown.The indoctrination and pre-walkdown materials covered by SQUG for the walkdown participants were also reviewed with SSRAP and the NRC.The indoctrination/training materials are given in Appendix C and include information on the organization and schedule of the walkdown, the rules of conduct in the plant, plant-specific data on the seismic demand levels for the walkdown, and summary information on GIP requirements for review of seismic demand versus capacity, equipment caveats, anchorage evaluation and evaluation of interactions.
ZPAforrigidequipment.
The NMP-1 seismic demand information used for this walkdown was discussed in some detail.SQUG representatives explained that the seismic ground motion used as a basis for the walkdown is a plant-specific, uniform hazard, ground-motion spectra developed by A.Cornell and R.McGuixe and is anchored at 0.13 G.This ground-motion spectra envelopes the NMP-1 FSAR licensing basis SSE spectra which is anchored at 0.11 G.The NMP-1 uniform hazard ground-motion spectra is shown in Appendix C.Also in this Appendix are amplified floor response spectra developed for NMP-1 using modern reactor and turbine building models and the 0.13 G uniform hazard ground-motion spectra.Mr.Djordjevic (Stevenson s Associates) reviewed the bases for the amplified floor response spectra and indicated that they are being used as mean-centered, realistic spectra.Dr.Kennedy (SSRAP)expressed the view that he believes the floor response spectra are conservative and generally in accordance with current Standard Review Plan criteria.As a result, SSRAP considers that it is not necessary to utilize the additional factors of safety recommended by SSRAP for use with mean-centered spectra (1.5 for use of GERS and 1.25 for anchorage evaluation) in using the NMP-1 floor response spectra during this walkdown.A second area discussed regarding the seismic demand was the effective grade level at NMP-1.At this site, the tuxbine building is founded on rock at elevation 243 feet above sea level.The reactor building is founded on rock at 198 feet.Grade elevation is 261 feet.In the construction of the buildings, the sites were excavated to the foundation level, the buildings constructed, and the annular space between the building and the rock excavation was backfilled with crushed stone up to the 251 foot grade elevation.
Acceleration atcalculated fundamental frequency.
An elevation view of the plant is included in Appendix C.SQUG and NMPC representatives explained that while they believe lateral support is provided by the crushed stone backfill, it has been conservatively assumed for the purpose of this walkdown that the effective grade elevation is at about 240-243 feet.This elevation corresponds to the foundation of the turbine building and the elevation in the reactor building where the structure changes from an essentially monolithic concrete block structure (including the reactor base mat)to that of reinforced concrete walls and floors.Essentially no amplification is expected in the reactor building up to about 243 feet.On this basis, the elevations which are considered to be within 40 feet of effective grade, are those elevations in the reactor and turbine buildings up to and including the 281 foot elevation.
3G,Weakdirection.
SSRAP was in general agreement with this approach.
Note:Ingeneral,forequipment.
Prior to walkdown of the plant by SSRAP and NRC reviewers, the three SRTs described their progress to date, highlighting areas they particularly wanted the reviewers to evaluate.SSRAP and NRC representatives spent most of February 2nd performing independent walkdowns of NMP-l.Essentially all safe shutdown equipment was seen by them with the exception of the emergency condensers and related equipment, several reactor coolant system instruments, several reactor coolant system isolation valves, core spray and containment spray pumps in the basement corner rooms and the equipment in the drywell, all of which were inaccessible due to the need for radiation work permits (RWPs).Following this walkdown, Dr.Kennedy provided a summary of SSRAP's observations and conclusions:
withfundamental frequency greaterthan8Hzandwithin40'fgrade.1.5xgroundspectramaybeusedasanestimateofmedian-centered amplified floorspectra.
The SSRAP walkdown was performed to determine how the seismic review teams (SRTs)were operating, to assess how the SRTs were evaluating and dispositioning the safe shutdown equipment, and to obtain a general sense of the seismic ruggedness of NMP-1.SSRAP did not observe many seismic concerns and no serious seismic issues.The expected outliers identified by the SRTs were considered by SSRAP to be typical.Dr.Kennedy remarked that, in fact, there were fewer outliers than would be expected for a plant of this vintage.He believes that this is result of the numerous seismic upgrades performed by NMPC over the years which were apparent to SSRAP during their walkdown.It is SSRAP's judgment, based on their walkdown, that the SRT members received adequate training to perform the walkdown and that they were doing an adequate and qualified job of evaluating the seismic adequacy of the safe shutdown equipment.
FIGURE2(Figure2containsanexcerptfromGZP-2,Reference 25,whichsummarizes theSSRAPandNRCcommentsontheBWRTrialPlantReview)Section8SENIORSEISMICREVIEWANDADVISORYPANEL(SSRAP)ANDNUCLEARREGULATORY COMMISSION (NRC)REVIEWSRepresentatives ofSSRAPandtheNRCattendedtheNMP-1walkdownonFebruary1stthrough3rd(Days8through10).OnFebruary1st,following radiation protection traininganddosimetry
SSRAP generally expressed the opinion that when the SRTs reached different conclusions than SSRAP, the SRTs'onclusions were more conservative (i.e., the SRTs may have identified more outliers than would SSRAP).SSRAP is uncertain if the utility SRTs used during the trial plant walkdown are representative of the SRTs other utilities might use for their walkdowns, since SSRAP believes that the utility SRT members at the trial plant walkdown have considerable seismic experience.
: issuance, theSSRAPandNRCrepresentatives werebriefedontheorganization andconductoftheNMP-1walkdown.
As a result, SSRAP continues to believe that it is essential that the SRT members have adequate qualifications and experience in seismic engineering.
Theindoctrination andpre-walkdownmaterials coveredbySQUGforthewalkdownparticipants werealsoreviewedwithSSRAPandtheNRC.Theindoctrination/training materials aregiveninAppendixCandincludeinformation ontheorganization andscheduleofthewalkdown, therulesofconductintheplant,plant-specific dataontheseismicdemandlevelsforthewalkdown, andsummaryinformation onGIPrequirements forreviewofseismicdemandversuscapacity, equipment caveats,anchorage evaluation andevaluation ofinteractions.
Following Dr.Kennedy's summary report, NRC representatives presented their observations and conclusions.
TheNMP-1seismicdemandinformation usedforthiswalkdownwasdiscussed insomedetail.SQUGrepresentatives explained thattheseismicgroundmotionusedasabasisforthewalkdownisaplant-specific, uniformhazard,ground-motion spectradeveloped byA.CornellandR.McGuixeandisanchoredat0.13G.Thisground-motionspectraenvelopes theNMP-1FSARlicensing basisSSEspectrawhichisanchoredat0.11G.TheNMP-1uniformhazardground-motion spectraisshowninAppendixC.AlsointhisAppendixareamplified floorresponsespectradeveloped forNMP-1usingmodernreactorandturbinebuildingmodelsandthe0.13Guniformhazardground-motion spectra.Mr.Djordjevic (Stevenson sAssociates) reviewedthebasesfortheamplified floorresponsespectraandindicated thattheyarebeingusedasmean-centered, realistic spectra.Dr.Kennedy(SSRAP)expressed theviewthathebelievesthefloorresponsespectraareconservative andgenerally inaccordance withcurrentStandardReviewPlancriteria.
Dr.T.Y.Chang, USI A-46,Program Manager, reported the following:
Asaresult,SSRAPconsiders thatitisnotnecessary toutilizetheadditional factorsofsafetyrecommended bySSRAPforusewithmean-centered spectra(1.5foruseofGERSand1.25foranchorage evaluation) inusingtheNMP-1floorresponsespectraduringthiswalkdown.
The NRC generally agrees with the SSRAP review findings.The NRC believes that the walkdown has shown that the use of utility engineers is a viable approach provided the SRT members have the proper level of experience.
Asecondareadiscussed regarding theseismicdemandwastheeffective gradelevelatNMP-1.Atthissite,thetuxbinebuildingisfoundedonrockatelevation 243feetabovesealevel.Thereactorbuildingisfoundedonrockat198feet.Gradeelevation is261feet.Intheconstruction ofthebuildings, thesiteswereexcavated tothefoundation level,thebuildings constructed, andtheannularspacebetweenthebuildingandtherockexcavation wasbackfilled withcrushedstoneuptothe251footgradeelevation.
The NRC still strongly believes that the qualifications of the SRT members are very important, irrespective of whether the members are utility employees or contractors.
Anelevation viewoftheplantisincludedinAppendixC.SQUGandNMPCrepresentatives explained thatwhiletheybelievelateralsupportisprovidedbythecrushedstonebackfill, ithasbeenconservatively assumedforthepurposeofthiswalkdownthattheeffective gradeelevation isatabout240-243feet.Thiselevation corresponds tothefoundation oftheturbinebuildingandtheelevation inthereactorbuildingwherethestructure changesfromanessentially monolithic concreteblockstructure (including thereactorbasemat)tothatofreinforced concretewallsandfloors.Essentially noamplification isexpectedinthereactorbuildinguptoabout243feet.Onthisbasis,theelevations whichareconsidered tobewithin40feetofeffective grade,arethoseelevations inthereactorandturbinebuildings uptoandincluding the281footelevation.
Further, the NRC believes that the training program is not enough to make an engineer a seismic expert.The SRT members should have the requisite seismic experience prior to their selection for training and the walkdowns.The conduct of the NMP-1 walkdown was very smooth.The NRC commented that it is clear that the lessons learned from the Trial Plant 1 walkdown were factored into this walkdown in that there was a considerable amount of pre-walkdown planning which contributed to the smoothness of the walkdown.The NRC was impressed with the layout of NMP-1.The plant is open and has considerable space which contributes to both good maintenance and a lack of seismic interaction hazards.The NRC observed during their walkdown (as did the SRTs and SSRAP)that the quality of the anchor welds in some electrical cabinets was marginal.The NRC noted that the relay review for NMP-1 was performed for a sample of typical safe shutdown circuits and did not cover every safe shutdown circuit and relay in this plant.They noted that the remaining circuits and relays need to be reviewed before the seismic review for NMP-1 is complete.
SSRAPwasingeneralagreement withthisapproach.
There was some discussion of the uniform hazard ground-motion spectra used for this walkdown.Since this spectra bounds the licensing basis ground-motion SSE spectra for NMP-1, the NRC concluded that this ground-motion spectra is acceptable and meets the requirements of USI A-46.The NRC also noted that they concur that the amplified floor spectra used for this walkdown are conservative spectral (Figure 3 contains an excerpt from the SQUG Walkdown Training Course class notes which shows the screening process for comparing equipment capacity to demand.)Equipment Capacity vs.Demand Screening Process Reference Spectrum>IRS Screen 1 Screen 2 Below 40'Above S Hz 8 8ounding Spectrum>GRS GERS>IRS Screen 3 Screen 4 QualiTication Documentation
PriortowalkdownoftheplantbySSRAPandNRCreviewers, thethreeSRTsdescribed theirprogresstodate,highlighting areastheyparticularly wantedthereviewers toevaluate.
>IRS Ou5iers Capacity>Derrt and Resolve-Slide 26 ENCLOSURE 2 Position Pa er on the Use of Method A at Ginna~Pur os e The purpose of this position paper is to provide supporting information for application of Method A at Ginna as requested by the NRC in question 1 of a second RAI on the USI A-46 program.This enclosure describes many of the conservatisms that exist in computed in-structure response spectra and the safety significance of the difference between computed and actual building response.1.Conservatism in Calculated ISRS The process of calculating in-structure response spectra (ISRS)is a complicated analytical exercise requiring a significant number of approximations, modeling assumptions and engineering judgments.
SSRAPandNRCrepresentatives spentmostofFebruary2ndperforming independent walkdowns ofNMP-l.Essentially allsafeshutdownequipment wasseenbythemwiththeexception oftheemergency condensers andrelatedequipment, severalreactorcoolantsysteminstruments, severalreactorcoolantsystemisolation valves,coresprayandcontainment spraypumpsinthebasementcornerroomsandtheequipment inthedrywell,allofwhichwereinaccessible duetotheneedforradiation workpermits(RWPs).Following thiswalkdown, Dr.KennedyprovidedasummaryofSSRAP'sobservations andconclusions:
As a result, the historical development of these ISRS has included a tremendous amount of conservatism which has typically served two purposes: It has reduced the technical debate as to the correct modeling of the many parameters which are intrinsic to the ISRS calculational methodology, and;2.It has reduced the costs associated with a very detailed state-of-the-art analysis, (which would attempt to trim out all the unnecessary conservatisms)
TheSSRAPwalkdownwasperformed todetermine howtheseismicreviewteams(SRTs)wereoperating, toassesshowtheSRTswereevaluating anddispositioning thesafeshutdownequipment, andtoobtainageneralsenseoftheseismicruggedness ofNMP-1.SSRAPdidnotobservemanyseismicconcernsandnoseriousseismicissues.Theexpectedoutliersidentified bytheSRTswereconsidered bySSRAPtobetypical.Dr.Kennedyremarkedthat,infact,therewerefeweroutliersthanwouldbeexpectedforaplantofthisvintage.Hebelievesthatthisisresultofthenumerousseismicupgradesperformed byNMPCovertheyearswhichwereapparenttoSSRAPduringtheirwalkdown.
.As a part of the A-46 program resolution methodology, the SSRAP developed and SQUG subsequently endorsed an alternate ISRS estimation technique (referred to as Method A within the GIP)which was much more median centered and realistic than the typical design practice.RG&E's'position is that the application of Method A at Ginna was appropriate and technically justified.
ItisSSRAP'sjudgment, basedontheirwalkdown, thattheSRTmembersreceivedadequatetrainingtoperformthewalkdownandthattheyweredoinganadequateandqualified jobofevaluating theseismicadequacyofthesafeshutdownequipment.
The fact that design ISRS may show amplifications greater than 1.5 is not surprising, nor does it negate the validity of Method A.In fact, as noted in the SSRAP report it was even expected."Secondly, most unbroadened computed in-structure spectra have very narrow, highly amplified peaks at the resonant frequency of the structure.
SSRAPgenerally expressed theopinionthatwhentheSRTsreacheddifferent conclusions thanSSRAP,theSRTs'onclusions weremoreconservative (i.e.,theSRTsmayhaveidentified moreoutliersthanwouldSSRAP).SSRAPisuncertain iftheutilitySRTsusedduringthetrialplantwalkdownarerepresentative oftheSRTsotherutilities mightusefortheirwalkdowns, sinceSSRAPbelievesthattheutilitySRTmembersatthetrialplantwalkdownhaveconsiderable seismicexperience.
In most cases these narrow, highly amplified peaks are artificially broadened to account for uncertainty in the structure's natural frequency.
Asaresult,SSRAPcontinues tobelievethatitisessential thattheSRTmembershaveadequatequalifications andexperience inseismicengineering.
This process simply increases the emphasis on these highly amplified peaks.SSRAP is also of the opinion that these narrow peaks will not be as highly amplified in real structures at high ground motion levels as if predicted by linear elastic mathematical models, nor are such narrow peaked in-structure spectra likely to be as damaging to equipment as is a broad frequency input which is represented by 1.5 times the Bounding Spectrum."
Following Dr.Kennedy's summaryreport,NRCrepresentatives presented theirobservations andconclusions.
As described below, three areas are presented to support the application of Method A at U.S.nuclear plants in general, and at Ginna in specific: A.Measurements of ISRS in Actual Earthquakes B.Calculations of Overall Conservatisms in Typical ISRS C.Description of the Conservatisms in ISRS in General and Ginna ISRS in Particular A.Measurements of ISRS in Actual Earthquakes SSRAP developed the Method A response estimation technique based on their research of both actual earthquake measurements and on recent"median centered" analysis.They reference (SSRAP report page 102)the measured floor response spectra at elevations less than 40 feet above the grade for moderately stiff structures at the Pleasant Valley Pump Station, the Humbolt Bay Nuclear Power Plant, and the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant where amplifications over the ground response spectra do not exceed 1.5 for frequencies above about 6 Hz.Other, more recent earthquake data from the Manzanillo Power Plant and Sicartsa Steel Mill in Mexico, as well as several facilities in California and Japan, has been recently reviewed by SQUG.This data also shows that stiff buildings (similar to typical nuclear structures) amplify very little at elevations less than 40 feet above grade and frequencies over 8 Hz.SQUG knows of no new measured data that challenges GIP Method A.B.Calculations of Overall Conservatism in Typical ISRS Calculated ISRS have never been portrayed as representing the realistic expected response during an actual earthquake.
Dr.T.Y.Chang,USIA-46,Program Manager,reportedthefollowing:
As previously stated, ISRS typically contain many conservatisms which make them unrealistically high.The primary reason for the development of Method A was to establish a more median centered method of defining the structural response without having to embark on costly new analyses of all the site buildings (It should be noted that even the most modern, state-of-the-art ISRS contain significant conservatisms; even those classified as"median-centered", are often very conservative).
TheNRCgenerally agreeswiththeSSRAPreviewfindings.
A NRC contractor (LLNL)concluded in a study for the NRC (NUREG/CR-1489)that typical calculated ISRS contain factors of 1.S to 1.8.Recent surveys by SQUG show similar levels of conservatism in calculated ISRS.
TheNRCbelievesthatthewalkdownhasshownthattheuseofutilityengineers isaviableapproachprovidedtheSRTmembershavetheproperlevelofexperience.
It was the contention of SSRAP that the ISRS for nuclear structures (considering the 40'nd 8 Hz conditions) would be within about 1.5 times the ground response spectrum (GRS)if the plant were subjected to an actual earthquake.
TheNRCstillstronglybelievesthatthequalifications oftheSRTmembersareveryimportant, irrespective ofwhetherthemembersareutilityemployees orcontractors.
In deriving the Method A criteria they recognized that due to the variety of ground motions, soil characteristics and structure characteristics there could be some possibility of exceedances to the 1.5 amplification, but still strongly justified Method A'applicability: "It is SSRAP's firm opinion that the issue of potential amplifications greater than 1.5 above about 8 Hz for high frequency input"is of no consequence for the classes of equipment considered in this document except possibly for relay chatter'."[SSRAP Report, Page 106]The basis SSRAP gave for drawing this conclusion was that high frequency ground motions do not have much damage potential due to~low spectral displacement, low energy content, and short duration.They further noted that the equipment covered does not appear to have a significant sensitivity to high frequencies (except possibly for relay chatter, which is addressed separately in the GIP).C.Description of Conservatisms in ISRS in General and Ginna ZSRS in Particular The most significant sources of conservatism involved in the development of the ISRS for Ginna include the following:
Further,theNRCbelievesthatthetrainingprogramisnotenoughtomakeanengineeraseismicexpert.TheSRTmembersshouldhavetherequisite seismicexperience priortotheirselection fortrainingandthewalkdowns
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Location of Input Motion (variation from the free field input location)Ground Response Spectrum Shape Soil-Structure Interaction (Soil Damping, Wave Scattering Effects)Ground Motion Incoherence Frequency (Structure Modeling)Structural Damping Time History Simulation Non-Linear Behavior (e.g., soil property profile variation, concrete cracking)Peak Broadening and Enveloping Clipping of Narrow Peaks'Because of the SSRAP concern related to possibly relay chatter at frequencies above 8 Hz, the SQUG methodology specifically addresses relay which are sensitive to high frequency vibration.
.TheconductoftheNMP-1walkdownwasverysmooth.TheNRCcommented thatitisclearthatthelessonslearnedfromtheTrialPlant1walkdownwerefactoredintothiswalkdowninthattherewasaconsiderable amountofpre-walkdownplanningwhichcontributed tothesmoothness ofthewalkdown.
Such relays are included on the Low Ruggedness Relays list in Appendix E of EPRI Report, NP-7148.  
TheNRCwasimpressed withthelayoutofNMP-1.Theplantisopenandhasconsiderable spacewhichcontributes tobothgoodmaintenance andalackofseismicinteraction hazards.TheNRCobservedduringtheirwalkdown(asdidtheSRTsandSSRAP)thatthequalityoftheanchorweldsinsomeelectrical cabinetswasmarginal.
~~The degree of conservatism involved in each of these parameters is specific to the building being analyzed, to the floor level being considered, and often, to the equipment location within the specified floor level.These conservatisms typically cannot be accurately quantified using simplistic calculational techniques since each parameter contributes to an overall set of highly non-linear responses.
TheNRCnotedthattherelayreviewforNMP-1wasperformed forasampleoftypicalsafeshutdowncircuitsanddidnotcovereverysafeshutdowncircuitandrelayinthisplant.Theynotedthattheremaining circuitsandrelaysneedtobereviewedbeforetheseismicreviewforNMP-1iscomplete.
Thus, it would take a considerable effort to quantify the exact excess conservatisms inherent in the calculated ISRS at Ginna.However, on the qualitative level presented below, it is easy to see the origins and levels of this conservatism.
Therewassomediscussion oftheuniformhazardground-motion spectrausedforthiswalkdown.
The following parameters are the source of the major portions of the excess conservatism:
Sincethisspectraboundsthelicensing basisground-motion SSEspectraforNMP-1,theNRCconcluded thatthisground-motion spectraisacceptable andmeetstherequirements ofUSIA-46.TheNRCalsonotedthattheyconcurthattheamplified floorspectrausedforthiswalkdownareconservative spectral (Figure3containsanexcerptfromtheSQUGWalkdownTrainingCourseclassnoteswhichshowsthescreening processforcomparing equipment capacitytodemand.)Equipment Capacityvs.DemandScreening ProcessReference Spectrum>IRSScreen1Screen2Below40'AboveSHz88oundingSpectrum>GRSGERS>IRSScreen3Screen4QualiTication Documentation
Location of In ut Motion-The defined location of the plant SSE is typically part of the design basis documentation.
>IRSOu5iersCapacity>DerrtandResolve-Slide26 ENCLOSURE 2PositionPaerontheUseofMethodAatGinna~PuroseThepurposeofthispositionpaperistoprovidesupporting information forapplication ofMethodAatGinnaasrequested bytheNRCinquestion1ofasecondRAIontheUSIA-46program.Thisenclosure describes manyoftheconservatisms thatexistincomputedin-structure responsespectraandthesafetysignificance ofthedifference betweencomputedandactualbuildingresponse.
The SSE should typically be defined at the ground surface in the free field as defined in the current Standard Review Plan criteria.The defined location of the Ginna SSE is considered the ground surface in the free field.But for purposed of generating ISRS, some plants conservatively defined the input (currently identified as the"control point" location)at another location, such as the embedded depth of a building basemat.This conservatism can be significant depending on the specific plant/building configuration.
1.Conservatism inCalculated ISRSTheprocessofcalculating in-structure responsespectra(ISRS)isacomplicated analytical exerciserequiring asignificant numberofapproximations, modelingassumptions andengineering judgments.
The Ginna plant site geology consists of a thin layer of natural or compacted granular soil (30 to 40 feet in depth)immediately above bedrock.The bedrock is a mixture of sandstone and fissile shale with shear wave velocities calculated to be 7000 feet per second or greater.Prior to construction of the plant, the soil over burden (30 to 40 feet of glacial drift)was removed.All Ginna Station Category 1 buildings, except for the control building and diesel generator building, are founded on solid bedrock.The foundations of the control and diesel generator buildings were excavated to the surface of bedrock.Lean concrete or compacted backfill was placed on the rock surface to a depth whereby the elevation of the top of the fill material was coincident with the elevation of the bottom of the concrete foundation of that particular building.Sections 2.5.2.1 (Seismicity) and 2.5.2.2 (Maximum Earthquake Potential) of the Ginna FSAR describe the original investigation which was performed to develop estimates of the maximum expected (OBE)and maximum credible (SSE)earthquakes for the site.It was judged that the maximum credible earthquake would be one of Richter magnitude 6.0 with an epicenter 30 miles from the site or one of magnitude 7.0 at a 90-mile epicentral distance.A procedure developed by Dames&Moore, using the results of research at the Earthquake Institute of Tokyo, was used to estimate ground motion at a given location if the earthquake magnitude, epicentral distance, and elastic properties of foundation soils and rock are known.The FSAR contains the following description of the location of ground motion:
Asaresult,thehistorical development oftheseISRShasincludedatremendous amountofconservatism whichhastypically servedtwopurposes:
"Using this method and the assumed maximum credible earthquakes discussed above, maximum acceleration on the site was calculated to be 8'.of gravity for soil surface and 7%for bedrock surface.Plant structures, systems, and components designated as Seismic Category 1 are designed to remain within applicable stress limits for the operating-basis earthquake (0.08g)and the safe shutdown earthquake (0.20g)." Based on the above licensing basis descriptions, the design earthquakes (OBE E SSE)were clearly defined at the soil surface.Since the ISRS for Ginna were generated using a conservative model defining the input motion at the foundation level, significant conservatism exists due to the location of input motion.The level of conservatism involved in this assumption is difficult to estimate without performing additional analyses, but past studies have proved it can be considerable.
Ithasreducedthetechnical debateastothecorrectmodelingofthemanyparameters whichareintrinsic totheISRScalculational methodology, and;2.Ithasreducedthecostsassociated withaverydetailedstate-of-the-art
Ground Res onse S ectrum Sha e-The SSE defined within the plant-licensing basis is the appropriate review level for the A-46 program.Some utilities utilized alternative (conservative) spectral shapes for the earthquake levels utilized for their A-46 resolution (i.e., submitted as part of their 120-day response letters).The amount of conservatism is directly related to the difference between these two spectral shapes at the frequencies of interest for the structures being reviewed.This factor can range from 1.0 to around 2.0 depending on the differences between the spectra.The licensing basis safe shutdown earthquake for Ginna is characterized by a site-specific horizontal ground response spectrum anchored to a PGA of 0.17g.However, ISRS were never generated in the original seismic design of Ginna and this earthquake was not used for the USI A-46 program.A more conservative earthquake anchored to a PGA of 0.2g and with a Reg Guide 1.60 shape (broader band)was used for the generation of ISRS in the A-46 program.The use of this alternate earthquake input is conservative for 3 reasons: The 4: damped spectra were used instead of the S: damped specific for the A-46 program.The conservatism is typically quantified by taking the square root of the damping levels, which would result in a 1.12 (12%)factor of conservatism.
: analysis, (whichwouldattempttotrimoutalltheunnecessary conservatisms)
2)The ZPA level of 02.g is 18: higher than the 0.17g site spe'cific SSE level for Ginna.3)The Reg Guide Shape and the site specific shape are both broad banded, but their levels of amplification are different and their differences vary as a function of frequency.
.AsapartoftheA-46programresolution methodology, theSSRAPdeveloped andSQUGsubsequently endorsedanalternate ISRSestimation technique (referred toasMethodAwithintheGIP)whichwasmuchmoremediancenteredandrealistic thanthetypicaldesignpractice.
Depending on the building in question and the frequency range of interest, there can be additional conservatisms due to the differences in shape.
RG&E's'position isthattheapplication ofMethodAatGinnawasappropriate andtechnically justified.
Soil Structure Interaction SSI-Typical design analyses do not account properly for the phenomena of SSI, including the deamplification with depth that really occurs for embedded structures and for the radiation damping effects inherent at soil sites.Fixed-base analyses have been performed in typical design analyses, both for structures founded on rock and for structures founded on soil columns.For rock foundations, the fixed-base model has been shown to be slightly conservative depending on the rock/structure characteristics.
ThefactthatdesignISRSmayshowamplifications greaterthan1.5isnotsurprising, nordoesitnegatethevalidityofMethodA.Infact,asnotedintheSSRAPreportitwasevenexpected.
For soil founded structures this assumption can vary between conservative and very conservative, depending on the level of sophistication of the modeling of the soil-structure system.The simplified analyses that used the frequency-independent soil springs were typically very conservative in that radiation and/or material damping were either conservatively eliminated or artificially limited during the analysis.Soil properties were also typically not adjusted to reflect anticipated soil strain levels.Significant reductions have been demonstrated over design type analyses using more modern techniques.
"Secondly, mostunbroadened computedin-structure spectrahaveverynarrow,highlyamplified peaksattheresonantfrequency ofthestructure.
These reduction factors are highly dependent on the specific soil conditions and structure configurations, but values of around 2 to 4 have been seen in past studies.The Ginna analyses have ignored any reduction in foundation motion due to embedment effects, wave scattering effects and radiation of energy from the structure into the surrounding media.These effects are less for rock founded structures (Standby Auxiliary Feedwater Buildings and Intermediate Building)than they are for the soil layer founded structures (Control Building and Diesel Building), but they are not negligible.
Inmostcasesthesenarrow,highlyamplified peaksareartificially broadened toaccountforuncertainty inthestructure's naturalfrequency.
This assumption is commonly made for rock sites because it greatly simplifies the analysis even though it introduces conservatism.
Thisprocesssimplyincreases theemphasisonthesehighlyamplified peaks.SSRAPisalsooftheopinionthatthesenarrowpeakswillnotbeashighlyamplified inrealstructures athighgroundmotionlevelsasifpredicted bylinearelasticmathematical models,noraresuchnarrowpeakedin-structure spectralikelytobeasdamagingtoequipment asisabroadfrequency inputwhichisrepresented by1.5timestheBoundingSpectrum."
The Ginna analyses also ignored any constraint that surrounding rock or soil placed against exterior side walls of embedded structures.
Asdescribed below,threeareasarepresented tosupporttheapplication ofMethodAatU.S.nuclearplantsingeneral,andatGinnainspecific:
Without considering lateral support from the rock or soil against embedded structures, one computes structural responses at grade that are greater than the free field motion.However, the structure at grade could not respond significantly greater than the free-field motion if the embedded portion of the structure is laterally supported by the stiff soil or rock.As was the case for the very first conservatism described (location of input motion), it would require some reanalysis to estimate the degree of conservatism involved in the SSI modeling of Ginna structures.
A.Measurements ofISRSinActualEarthquakes B.Calculations ofOverallConservatisms inTypicalISRSC.Description oftheConservatisms inISRSinGeneralandGinnaISRSinParticular A.Measurements ofISRSinActualEarthquakes SSRAPdeveloped theMethodAresponseestimation technique basedontheirresearchofbothactualearthquake measurements andonrecent"mediancentered" analysis.
It is obvious, however, that some non-trivial degree of conservatism exits.Ground Motion Incoherence
Theyreference (SSRAPreportpage102)themeasuredfloorresponsespectraatelevations lessthan40feetabovethegradeformoderately stiffstructures atthePleasantValleyPumpStation,theHumboltBayNuclearPowerPlant,andtheFukushima NuclearPowerPlantwhereamplifications overthegroundresponsespectradonotexceed1.5forfrequencies aboveabout6Hz.Other,morerecentearthquake datafromtheManzanillo PowerPlantandSicartsaSteelMillinMexico,aswellasseveralfacilities inCalifornia andJapan,hasbeenrecentlyreviewedbySQUG.Thisdataalsoshowsthatstiffbuildings (similartotypicalnuclearstructures) amplifyverylittleatelevations lessthan40feetabovegradeandfrequencies over8Hz.SQUGknowsofnonewmeasureddatathatchallenges GIPMethodA.B.Calculations ofOverallConservatism inTypicalISRSCalculated ISRShaveneverbeenportrayed asrepresenting therealistic expectedresponseduringanactualearthquake.
-As has been documented in the EPRI seismic margin report (EPRI NP 6041)there can be a deamplification effect on nuclear type structures due to the incoherence of ground motion over the relatively large dimensions of typical nuclear structures.
Aspreviously stated,ISRStypically containmanyconservatisms whichmakethemunrealistically high.Theprimaryreasonforthedevelopment ofMethodAwastoestablish amoremediancenteredmethodofdefiningthestructural responsewithouthavingtoembarkoncostlynewanalysesofallthesitebuildings (Itshouldbenotedthateventhemostmodern,state-of-the-art ISRScontainsignificant conservatisms; eventhoseclassified as"median-centered",
Conservative reduction factors as a function of frequency and building footprint have been documented within NP 6041 to account for the statistical incoherence of the input wave motion.These conservative values range from a factor of 1.1 to around 1.5.More recent studies have documented even greater reduction factors.This ground motion incoherence is applicable to rock sites like Ginna.Time Histo Simulation
areoftenveryconservative).
-ISRS at Ginna have been generated using a time history which is intended to approximate the desired earthquake spectrum (0.20g, Reg.Guide 1.60 shape).This process involves the generation of an artificial time history whose response spectra envelops the SSE.The amount of conservatism involved in the enveloping process has not been specifically calculated for Ginna but can range up to a factor of 2 or more unless significant resources are applied to minimize the degree of enveloping.
ANRCcontractor (LLNL)concluded inastudyfortheNRC(NUREG/CR-1489)thattypicalcalculated ISRScontainfactorsof1.Sto1.8.RecentsurveysbySQUGshowsimilarlevelsofconservatism incalculated ISRS.
Cli in of Narro~Peaks-The SSRAP report and the Generic Implementation Procedure (GIP)recommend procedures for adjusting narrow peaks to reflect two areas of conservatism:
Itwasthecontention ofSSRAPthattheISRSfornuclearstructures (considering the40'nd8Hzconditions) wouldbewithinabout1.5timesthegroundresponsespectrum(GRS)iftheplantweresubjected toanactualearthquake.
Narrow peaks are not as highly amplified in real structures as are predicted by linear elastic mathematical models, and 2.Narrow peaks in ISRS are not as damaging to equipment as are broad frequency input such as the Reference Spectrum.The GIP procedure recommends an averaging technique over a frequency range of 10%of the peak frequency (e.g., 1 Hz range for a 10 Hz peak frequency) using the unbroadened ISRS.The Ginna ISRS have narrow peaks and did not utilize the peak reduction methods from the GIP.The conservatism involved has been shown to be in the range of 5%to 20%for typical narrow peaks at several plants.We expect the conservatism for the peaks of the Ginna ISRS to fall within this range based on a sampling for a couple of peaks showing a 10%effect.There are several additional sources of conservatism (e.g., structural damping, structural modeling, structural/soil non-'inearities, peak broadening and enveloping, etc.)which add to the overall conservatism in the calculation of ISRS.These additional conservatisms, coupled with those described above, certainly reinforce the overall levels of conservatism in ISRS of between 1.5 and 8 which were referenced by SSRAP (LLNL Report NUREG/CR-1489), and explain why the conservative Ginna ISRS produce exceedance beyond the 1.5 factor.2.Not a Si ificant Safet Issue The expected differences between calculated ISRS and actual building response do not represent a significant safety question.The lessons learned from review of hundreds of items of equipment at various sites that have experienced earthquakes which were significantly larger than those for Eastern U.S.nuclear plants are that missing anchorage, seismic interaction hazards, and certain equipment-specific weaknesses (incorporated into the GIP caveats)were the seismic vulnerabilities which cause equipment damage.These areas are conservatively addressed in the GIP.
InderivingtheMethodAcriteriatheyrecognized thatduetothevarietyofgroundmotions,soilcharacteristics andstructure characteristics therecouldbesomepossibility ofexceedances tothe1.5amplification, butstillstronglyjustified MethodA'applicability:
I~The NRC staff acknowledged the seismic ruggedness of nuclear power plant equipment in the backfit analysis for USI A-46 in which they stated the following:
"ItisSSRAP'sfirmopinionthattheissueofpotential amplifications greaterthan1.5aboveabout8Hzforhighfrequency input"isofnoconsequence fortheclassesofequipment considered inthisdocumentexceptpossiblyforrelaychatter'."
"...subject to certain exceptions and caveats, the staff has concluded that equipment installed in nuclear power plants is inherently rugged and not susceptible to seismic damage."[NUREG-1211, page 16]Method A is only applicable to stiff equipment with fundamental frequencies over about 8 Hz.As noted earlier in Section 1 of this paper, SSRAP and SQUG have agreed that excitations over 8 Hz have little damage potential due to low spectral displacements, low energy content and short duration.This judgment is supported by industry and NRC guidance for determining whether an operating basis earthquake (OBE)is exceeded following a seismic event at a nuclear power plant.EPRI Report NP-5930 and NRC Regulatory Guide 1.166 recognize that damage potential is significantly reduced for earthquake ground motions above 10 Hz.In other words, the question of what is the precise value of building amplification over 8 Hz has very little safety significance.
[SSRAPReport,Page106]ThebasisSSRAPgavefordrawingthisconclusion wasthathighfrequency groundmotionsdonothavemuchdamagepotential dueto~lowspectraldisplacement, lowenergycontent,andshortduration.
3.Ginna Buildin s are ical Nuclear Structures As requested, RGEE is also providing detailed description of the power block.building construction.
Theyfurthernotedthattheequipment covereddoesnotappeartohaveasignificant sensitivity tohighfrequencies (exceptpossiblyforrelaychatter,whichisaddressed separately intheGIP).C.Description ofConservatisms inISRSinGeneralandGinnaZSRSinParticular Themostsignificant sourcesofconservatism involvedinthedevelopment oftheISRSforGinnaincludethefollowing:
The Ginna power block structures are typical nuclear power plant structures which were designed to resist lateral loads with reinforced concrete shear walls or braced structural steel frame systems.A summary description of the buildings and their foundations are contained in the attached Table 1.4.Determination of"Grade Elevation""Grade Elevation" determinations for Ginna Station power block building were described in Section 2.3 of the January 1997 submittal: "Grade Elevation The power block structures at Ginna are built on the side of a hi'll.Grade elevation on the north (lake side)of the power block is 253'.Grade on the south side of the power block is 271'.For the A-46 project, a grade elevation of 253'as used for the structures on the north side of the power block (DG, IB, SH TB), and a grade elevation of 271'as used for the structures on the south side of the power block (AB, AF, CB).The containment (RC)is founded on rock at elevation 235';235'as used as the grade elevation for A-46.It should be noted that CB 289's the highest elevation at which seismic SSEL equipment are located, and that the great majority of seismic SSEL equipment are at elevation 271'r lower.Therefore, for equipment outside containment, whether 253'r 271's used as grade would not impact the"within about 40'f grade" criterion commonly used in the GIP."
000000000LocationofInputMotion(variation fromthefreefieldinputlocation)
GroundResponseSpectrumShapeSoil-Structure Interaction (SoilDamping,WaveScattering Effects)GroundMotionIncoherence Frequency (Structure Modeling)
Structural DampingTimeHistorySimulation Non-Linear Behavior(e.g.,soilpropertyprofilevariation, concretecracking)
PeakBroadening andEnveloping ClippingofNarrowPeaks'BecauseoftheSSRAPconcernrelatedtopossiblyrelaychatteratfrequencies above8Hz,theSQUGmethodology specifically addresses relaywhicharesensitive tohighfrequency vibration.
SuchrelaysareincludedontheLowRuggedness RelayslistinAppendixEofEPRIReport,NP-7148.  
~~Thedegreeofconservatism involvedineachoftheseparameters isspecifictothebuildingbeinganalyzed, tothefloorlevelbeingconsidered, andoften,totheequipment locationwithinthespecified floorlevel.Theseconservatisms typically cannotbeaccurately quantified usingsimplistic calculational techniques sinceeachparameter contributes toanoverallsetofhighlynon-linearresponses.
Thus,itwouldtakeaconsiderable efforttoquantifytheexactexcessconservatisms inherentinthecalculated ISRSatGinna.However,onthequalitative levelpresented below,itiseasytoseetheoriginsandlevelsofthisconservatism.
Thefollowing parameters arethesourceofthemajorportionsoftheexcessconservatism:
LocationofInutMotion-ThedefinedlocationoftheplantSSEistypically partofthedesignbasisdocumentation.
TheSSEshouldtypically bedefinedatthegroundsurfaceinthefreefieldasdefinedinthecurrentStandardReviewPlancriteria.
ThedefinedlocationoftheGinnaSSEisconsidered thegroundsurfaceinthefreefield.Butforpurposedofgenerating ISRS,someplantsconservatively definedtheinput(currently identified asthe"controlpoint"location) atanotherlocation, suchastheembeddeddepthofabuildingbasemat.Thisconservatism canbesignificant depending onthespecificplant/building configuration.
TheGinnaplantsitegeologyconsistsofathinlayerofnaturalorcompacted granularsoil(30to40feetindepth)immediately abovebedrock.Thebedrockisamixtureofsandstone andfissileshalewithshearwavevelocities calculated tobe7000feetpersecondorgreater.Priortoconstruction oftheplant,thesoiloverburden(30to40feetofglacialdrift)wasremoved.AllGinnaStationCategory1buildings, exceptforthecontrolbuildinganddieselgenerator
: building, arefoundedonsolidbedrock.Thefoundations ofthecontrolanddieselgenerator buildings wereexcavated tothesurfaceofbedrock.Leanconcreteorcompacted backfillwasplacedontherocksurfacetoadepthwherebytheelevation ofthetopofthefillmaterialwascoincident withtheelevation ofthebottomoftheconcretefoundation ofthatparticular building.
Sections2.5.2.1(Seismicity) and2.5.2.2(MaximumEarthquake Potential) oftheGinnaFSARdescribetheoriginalinvestigation whichwasperformed todevelopestimates ofthemaximumexpected(OBE)andmaximumcredible(SSE)earthquakes forthesite.Itwasjudgedthatthemaximumcredibleearthquake wouldbeoneofRichtermagnitude


==6.0 withanepicenter==
It should be noted that CB 289's the highest elevation at which seismic SSEL equipment are located, and that the great majority of seismic SSEL equipment are at elevation 271'r lower.Therefore, for equipment outside containment, whether 253'r 271's used as grade would not impact the"within about 40'f grade" criterion commonly used in the GIP." In addition to previous discussions in Enclosure 2 describing the power block structures and corresponding"grade elevations", a general North-South site cross section is provided.Conclusions The discussion above leads to several conclusions:
30milesfromthesiteoroneofmagnitude 7.0ata90-mileepicentral distance.
Cl All of the Ginna structures are large reinforced concrete shear wall or braced steel frame structures.
Aprocedure developed byDames&Moore,usingtheresultsofresearchattheEarthquake Institute ofTokyo,wasusedtoestimategroundmotionatagivenlocationiftheearthquake magnitude, epicentral
They are typical of the structures designed for nuclear plants of.the Ginna vintage and are"typical nuclear structures".
: distance, andelasticproperties offoundation soilsandrockareknown.TheFSARcontainsthefollowing description ofthelocationofgroundmotion:
CI The results from actual measured ISRS on"nuclear type" structures support the 1.5 response levels advocated within Method A.0 Qualitative assessments of the conservatism inherent within the methods utilized to calculate ISRS have been provided above.These conservatisms are typically quite significant (as has been independently verified by median/modern assessment such as the LLNL study)and can/will result in ISRS which show amplifications well beyond the 1.5 factor from Method A.RGEE feels strongly that the specific exceedances noted by the NRC (beyond the 1.5 factor)on Ginna are due to these high conservatisms inherent in the ISRS methods and not due to"unusual, plant-specific situations".
"Usingthismethodandtheassumedmaximumcredibleearthquakes discussed above,maximumacceleration onthesitewascalculated tobe8'.ofgravityforsoilsurfaceand7%forbedrocksurface.Plantstructures, systems,andcomponents designated asSeismicCategory1aredesignedtoremainwithinapplicable stresslimitsfortheoperating-basis earthquake (0.08g)andthesafeshutdownearthquake (0.20g)."
Therefore, the application=of Method" A to the structures at Ginna is appropriate and valid.CI There is little safety significance in the expected differences between calculated ISRS and actual building response.The largest safety improvements are provided by appropriately reviewing equipment anchorage, seismic interaction hazards, and certain equipment-specific weaknesses where seismic vulnerabilities have caused equipment damage in real earthquakes.
Basedontheabovelicensing basisdescriptions, thedesignearthquakes (OBEESSE)wereclearlydefinedatthesoilsurface.SincetheISRSforGinnaweregenerated usingaconservative modeldefiningtheinputmotionatthefoundation level,significant conservatism existsduetothelocationofinputmotion.Thelevelofconservatism involvedinthisassumption isdifficult toestimatewithoutperforming additional
Reviews of these areas were a primary focus of the SQUG GIP process;therefore RG&E's implementation of the GIP at Ginna resulted in significant seismic safety enhancements.
: analyses, butpaststudieshaveproveditcanbeconsiderable.
Table 1 Building DG ZB Detailed Description of Building Construction The diesel enerator buildin (DG)is a one-story reinforced-concrete (Rc)structure that has two cable vaults underneath the floor.The building roof consists of a RC slab supported by four shear walls that sit on concrete spread footings.Zt is a relatively stiff structure typical of most diesel buildings at nuclear plants.The intermediate buildin (ZB)is located on the north and west sides of the containment building, and is founded on rock.The west end has a retaining wall where the floor at elevation 253 ft 6 in.is supported.
GroundResonseSectrumShae-TheSSEdefinedwithintheplant-licensing basisistheappropriate reviewlevelfortheA-46program.Someutilities utilizedalternative (conservative) spectralshapesfortheearthquake levelsutilizedfortheirA-46resolution (i.e.,submitted aspartoftheir120-dayresponseletters).
The bottom of the retaining wall footing is at elevation 233 ft 6 in.Rock elevation in this area is at approximate elevation 239 ft 0 in.Foundations for interior columns are on individual column footings and embedded a minimum of 2 ft in solid rock.SH TB CB The screen house-service water (SH)building is comprised of two superstructures, one for the service water (SW)system and one for the circulating water system (the screen house portion).The service water (SW)portion of the building (both below and above grade)is a Seismic Category I structure.
Theamountofconservatism isdirectlyrelatedtothedifference betweenthesetwospectralshapesatthefrequencies ofinterestforthestructures beingreviewed.
The service water (SW)portion houses four Seismic Category I service water (SW)pumps and Seismic Category Z electric switchgear.
Thisfactorcanrangefrom1.0toaround2.0depending onthedifferences betweenthespectra.Thelicensing basissafeshutdownearthquake forGinnaischaracterized byasite-specific horizontal groundresponsespectrumanchoredtoaPGAof0.17g.However,ISRSwerenevergenerated intheoriginalseismicdesignofGinnaandthisearthquake wasnotusedfortheUSIA-46program.Amoreconservative earthquake anchoredtoaPGAof0.2gandwithaRegGuide1.60shape(broaderband)wasusedforthegeneration ofISRSintheA-46program.Theuseofthisalternate earthquake inputisconservative for3reasons:The4:dampedspectrawereusedinsteadoftheS:dampedspecificfortheA-46program.Theconservatism istypically quantified bytakingthesquarerootofthedampinglevels,whichwouldresultina1.12(12%)factorofconservatism.
The screenhouse portion houses the traveling water screens and circulating water pumps.The entire screen house-service water (SH)building is founded in or on bedrock with the exception of the basement of the electric switchgear portion which is founded approximately 4 ft above bedrock.Since the building is founded in bedrock the basement will not realize any spectral acceleration and the seismic loading is equivalent to the ground motion of 0.08g and 0.20g.The building is constructed of RC below grade and has a structural steel superstructure.
2)TheZPAlevelof02.gis18:higherthanthe0.17gsitespe'cific SSElevelforGinna.3)TheRegGuideShapeandthesitespecificshapearebothbroadbanded,buttheirlevelsofamplification aredifferent andtheirdifferences varyasafunctionoffrequency.
The turbine buildin (TB)is a 257.5-ft by 124.5-ft rectangular building on the north side of the power block.Zt has a concrete basement at elevation 253.5 ft, two concrete floors (a mezzanine floor at elevation 271 ft and an operating floor at elevation 289.5 ft).The building is a heavily braced steel structure.
Depending onthebuildinginquestionandthefrequency rangeofinterest, therecanbeadditional conservatisms duetothedifferences inshape.
The auxilia buildin (M))is a three-story rectangular structure, 70 ft 9 in.by 214 ft 5 in.It is located south of the containment and intermediate buildings and adjacent to the service building.The structure has a concrete basement floor that rests on a sandstone foundation at elevation 235 ft 8 in., and two concrete floors--an intermediate floor at elevation 253 ft and an operating floor at elevation 271 ft.Construction below grade is (RC)with a structural steel su erstructure.
SoilStructure Interaction SSI-Typicaldesignanalysesdonotaccountproperlyforthephenomena ofSSI,including thedeamplification withdepththatreallyoccursforembeddedstructures andfortheradiation dampingeffectsinherentatsoilsites.Fixed-base analyseshavebeenperformed intypicaldesignanalyses, bothforstructures foundedonrockandforstructures foundedonsoilcolumns.Forrockfoundations, thefixed-base modelhasbeenshowntobeslightlyconservative depending ontherock/structure characteristics.
The standb auxilia feedwater buildin (AF)is a reinforced-concrete seismic category I structure with reinforced-concrete walls, roof, and base mat.The building is supported by 12 caissons which are socketed into competent rock.The control buildin (CB)is located ad)acent to the south side of the turbine building and is a 41-ft 11-3/4 in.by 54-ft 1-3/4 in three-story structure with concrete foundation mat at elevation 253 ft.The foundation of the control building is supported on lean concrete or compacted backfill.The rock elevation in this area is at approximate elevation 240 ft.0 in.The foundation of the control building was excavated to the surface of the bedrock.The fill material was placed on the rock surface to a depth coincident with the control building foundation.
Forsoilfoundedstructures thisassumption canvarybetweenconservative andveryconservative, depending onthelevelofsophistication ofthemodelingofthesoil-structure system.Thesimplified analysesthatusedthefrequency-independent soilspringsweretypically veryconservative inthatradiation and/ormaterialdampingwereeitherconservatively eliminated orartificially limitedduringtheanalysis.
The bottom elevation of the deepest portion of the foundation mat is at elevation 245 ft 4 in., with a structural slab supported at elevation 250 ft 6 in.with a thickened slab for column footings.The building consists of both RC and structural steel.RC The containment buildin (RC)is a vertical right cylinder with a flat base and a hemispherical dome.The building is 99 ft.high to the spring line of the dome and has an inside diameter of 105 ft.The cylindrical concrete wall, which is prestressed vertically and reinforced circumferentially with mild steel deformed bars, is 3.5-ft.thick.The concrete dome is a reinforced concrete shell 2.5-ft.thick.The concrete base slab is 2 ft thick with an additional thickness of concrete fill of 2 ft over the bottom liner plate.The containment cylinder is founded on rock (sandstone) by means of post-tensioned rock anchors which ensure that the rock then acts as an integral part of the containment structure.
Soilproperties werealsotypically notadjustedtoreflectanticipated soilstrainlevels.Significant reductions havebeendemonstrated overdesigntypeanalysesusingmoremoderntechniques.
*Building descriptions are from FSAR and UFSAR.
Thesereduction factorsarehighlydependent onthespecificsoilconditions andstructure configurations, butvaluesofaround2to4havebeenseeninpaststudies.TheGinnaanalyseshaveignoredanyreduction infoundation motionduetoembedment effects,wavescattering effectsandradiation ofenergyfromthestructure intothesurrounding media.Theseeffectsarelessforrockfoundedstructures (StandbyAuxiliary Feedwater Buildings andIntermediate Building) thantheyareforthesoillayerfoundedstructures (ControlBuildingandDieselBuilding),
4 Screen house Diesel generator annex Turbine bldg.Intermediate bldg.Service building Reactor containment building I 1 I~Facade Control uildin 1 1~Sl Auxiliary building Aux.bldg, addition ROCHESTER GAS AND ELECTRIC CORPORATION R.E.GINNA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT UPDATED FINAL SAFETY ANALYSIS REPORT Figure 3.7-6 Containment Building and Complex of Interconnected Seismic Category I and Nonseismic Structures, Flan View LOW WATER DATUNI EL.243.0'IGH WATER OATUNI EL.247.0'REAKWALL EL.261'ISCHARGE CANAL EL.231.5'RADE EL.253'LANT GRADE EL.270'RADE EL.270'NVERT OF DEER CREEK EL.250'CREENHOUSE GUARDHOUSE A lD (II 0 A It QO I C Cfl 0 III co n n III 0 I 0 CA e 0 0 C Q Ill Ill O A Z Z Z r Z cn c 0 Z.g~m r Ill tl CI 8 U n O 0 Z ENCLOSURE 3 SECOND RE UEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R.E.GINNA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT uestion¹2 In your response to the staff's RAI Questions¹3 and¹4, for a number of equipment items, the equipment frequencies were stated to have been-judged by SRT to be greater than 8 Hz by inspection.
buttheyarenotnegligible.
Provide the basis for the SRT judgement regarding equipment naturaI frequency, especially when the estimated magnitude for natural frequency is relied upon to determine the applicability for the use of GIP-2 Method A.l.You are requested to provide further justification for the frequency estimation, or provide analytical calculations to justify such estimation, for the equipment items identified as FT-4084, FT-4085, PSF01A a B, SAFVPCIP, SAFVPDIP, BVSZ4, DCPDPAB01A&B and DCPDPAB02AaB.
Thisassumption iscommonlymadeforrocksitesbecauseitgreatlysimplifies theanalysiseventhoughitintroduces conservatism.
Res onses to uestion¹2 The bases for the SRT judgement was: II a.The guidance provided in the EPRI report,"Guidelines for Estimation or Verification of Equipment Natural Frequency", Research Project 2925-2, Final Report, August 1992.b.The experience of the SRT.The SRT was composed of RGEE staff and staff from an outside consultant, Stevenson 6 Associates,(S&A).
TheGinnaanalysesalsoignoredanyconstraint thatsurrounding rockorsoilplacedagainstexteriorsidewallsofembeddedstructures.
The SaA staff members on the walk downs were Dr.John Stevenson, Mr.Walter Djordjevic, and Mr.Stephen Anagnostis.
Withoutconsidering lateralsupportfromtherockorsoilagainstembeddedstructures, onecomputesstructural responses atgradethataregreaterthanthefreefieldmotion.However,thestructure atgradecouldnotrespondsignificantly greaterthanthefree-field motioniftheembeddedportionofthestructure islaterally supported bythestiffsoilorrock.Aswasthecasefortheveryfirstconservatism described (location ofinputmotion),itwouldrequiresomereanalysis toestimatethedegreeofconservatism involvedintheSSImodelingofGinnastructures.
Dr.Stevenson has 35 years of experience in the nuclear power industry;Mr.Djordjevic and Mr.Anagnostis each have 15 to 20 years of experience in the industry.In addition, Mr.Djordjevic and Mr.Anagnostis each have extensive experience performing in-situ modal (frequency response)tests of nuclear power plant equipment.
Itisobvious,however,thatsomenon-trivial degreeofconservatism exits.GroundMotionIncoherence
This testing involves dozen of pieces of equipment at more than ten nuclear power stations.The equipment tested includes control cabinets, motor control centers, switchgear and instrument racks.This test data is the basis of EPRI Report NP-7146,"Guidelines for Development of In-Cabinet Amplified Response Spectra for Electrical Benchboards and Panels", and the procedures for calculating in-cabinet spectra described in GIP-2 Section 6.4.2 (Screening Level 3).FT-4084 and FT-4085 Standb AFW Pum Flow Transmitters These flow transmitters are individually mounted to a steel base plate and anchored to a reinforced concrete wall with four (4)3/8" concrete expansion anchors, as shown in picture below.The SRT judged this equipment to have a fundamental frequency greater than 8 Hz based on the small size, small weight, and stiff support.4j~~.\4 Wl'rQ".r j fo 1 The EPRI guidelines do not discuss individually mounted pressure switches, but do discuss steel frame instrument racks housing a number of pressure switches and related equipment.
-Ashasbeendocumented intheEPRIseismicmarginreport(EPRINP6041)therecanbeadeamplification effectonnucleartypestructures duetotheincoherence ofgroundmotionovertherelatively largedimensions oftypicalnuclearstructures.
Section 3.3 of the guidelines state that"Often, braced racks will have frequencies greater than 8 Hz.The walkdown team need only be cautious of very large, heavily weighted, very weakly-braced racks, or very low braced racks".Based on this guidance, it is reasonable to conclude that an individual transmitter, securely mounted to a reinforced concrete wall, will have a fundamental frequency greater than 8 Hz.PSF01A PSF01B Standb AFW Pum s C and D These are 300 HP electric-motor horizontal pumps.Each pump is mounted on an approximately 3'-6" wide by 10'-6" long steel skid.The skid is anchored to a 27" high continuous concrete pedestal with twelve (12)3/4" cast-in-place bolts.The pedestal is well reinforced and doweled into the floor slab.There are no vibration isolators.
Conservative reduction factorsasafunctionoffrequency andbuildingfootprint havebeendocumented withinNP6041toaccountforthestatistical incoherence oftheinputwavemotion.These conservative valuesrangefromafactorof1.1toaround1.5.Morerecentstudieshavedocumented evengreaterreduction factors.Thisgroundmotionincoherence isapplicable torocksiteslikeGinna.TimeHistoSimulation
Section 2.2 of the EPRI guidelines states: "Further, the following classes of mechanical equipment are considered to be sufficiently rugged that the walkdown team may assume, without further justification, that their natural frequencies are above 8 Hz: Pumps Engine and Motor Generators Air Compressors Fans and Air Handlers Chi l,l ers Testing on shake tables and in the field has shown that equipment in these classes have natural frequencies greater than 8 Hz given that they have direct anchorage to the floor and that appendages such as very flexible control panels are not present.One possible exception is that deep well pumps may have unsupported cantilever columns and suction bowls with natural frequency below 8 Hz (Note that this addressed by a separate SQUG caveat).SAFWPCIP SAFWPDIP Standb AFW Pum Instrument Panels These are wall mounted instrument panels.Each panel is 30" wide x 54" high x 32" deep and is welded to continuous angles running along the top and bottom of the panel.The angles are secured to a reinforced concrete wall with 5/8" concrete expansion anchors (Both top angles and one of the bottom angles are secured with three anchors;the other bottom angle is secured with two anchors.)The EPRI guidelines indicate that the presence of well-engineered top bracing on electrical equipment is sufficient to support the judgement that the equipment has a fundamental frequency above 8 Hz.The SRT experience is that typical (30" wide x 30" deep x 90" tall), properly anchored, floor mounted instrument cabinets have a fundamental frequency in the range of 10 Hz-15 Hz.Smaller, wall mounted cabinets of similar construction (such as the subject panel)have at least as high a fundamental frequency.
-ISRSatGinnahavebeengenerated usingatimehistorywhichisintendedtoapproximate thedesiredearthquake spectrum(0.20g,Reg.Guide1.60shape).Thisprocessinvolvesthegeneration ofanartificial timehistorywhoseresponsespectraenvelopstheSSE.Theamountofconservatism involvedintheenveloping processhasnotbeenspecifically calculated forGinnabutcanrangeuptoafactorof2ormoreunlesssignificant resources areappliedtominimizethedegreeofenveloping.
BUS14 480V Switch ear This is a Westinghouse Type DB low voltage switchgear, 160" wide x 58" deep x 76" high.The switchgear is anchored with ten (10)3/4" Hilti Kwik bolts.Section 3.7 of the EPRI guidelines states: "As long as a lineup has six sections or more, the natural frequency of swi tchgear units may be assumed to be above 8 Hz".S&A has tested a similar Westinghouse low voltage switchgear at the Connecticut Yankee nuclear station.That unit (designated BUS4 at CY)is 408" wide x 54" deep x 90" high.A fundamental frequency of 9.0 Hz was measured.
CliinofNarro~Peaks-TheSSRAPreportandtheGenericImplementation Procedure (GIP)recommend procedures foradjusting narrowpeakstoreflecttwoareasofconservatism:
DCPDPAB01A and B DCPDPAB02A and B Aux Buildin DC Power Distribution Panels These are wall mounted panelboards (power distribution panels).Each panel board is 30" wide x 40" wide x 12" deep, and well anchored, near the top and bottom, to a reinforced concrete wall or a reinforced concrete column.Section 2.3 of the EPRI guidelines states that panelboards (wall-mounted distribution panels), if anchored to a substantial floor or wall, will have a fundamental frequency of at least 12 Hz.uestion 3 In your response to the staff's RAI, Question¹4, you indicated that the seismic capacity vs.demand evaluation for the Undervoltage Relay Cabinet Bus 24 QRAZRC24)was based on shake-table testing.You are requested to provide a detailed discussion of the testing and to justify the adequacy of such testing.Res onse to uestion¹3  
Narrowpeaksarenotashighlyamplified inrealstructures asarepredicted bylinearelasticmathematical models,and2.NarrowpeaksinISRSarenotasdamagingtoequipment asarebroadfrequency inputsuchastheReference Spectrum.
TheGIPprocedure recommends anaveraging technique overafrequency rangeof10%ofthepeakfrequency (e.g.,1Hzrangefora10Hzpeakfrequency) usingtheunbroadened ISRS.TheGinnaISRShavenarrowpeaksanddidnotutilizethepeakreduction methodsfromtheGIP.Theconservatism involvedhasbeenshowntobeintherangeof5%to20%fortypicalnarrowpeaksatseveralplants.Weexpecttheconservatism forthepeaksoftheGinnaISRStofallwithinthisrangebasedonasamplingforacoupleofpeaksshowinga10%effect.Thereareseveraladditional sourcesofconservatism (e.g.,structural damping,structural
: modeling, structural/soil non-'inearities, peakbroadening andenveloping, etc.)whichaddtotheoverallconservatism inthecalculation ofISRS.Theseadditional conservatisms, coupledwiththosedescribed above,certainly reinforce theoveralllevelsofconservatism inISRSofbetween1.5and8whichwerereferenced bySSRAP(LLNLReportNUREG/CR-1489),
andexplainwhytheconservative GinnaISRSproduceexceedance beyondthe1.5factor.2.NotaSiificantSafetIssueTheexpecteddifferences betweencalculated ISRSandactualbuildingresponsedonotrepresent asignificant safetyquestion.
Thelessonslearnedfromreviewofhundredsofitemsofequipment atvarioussitesthathaveexperienced earthquakes whichweresignificantly largerthanthoseforEasternU.S.nuclearplantsarethatmissinganchorage, seismicinteraction hazards,andcertainequipment-specific weaknesses (incorporated intotheGIPcaveats)weretheseismicvulnerabilities whichcauseequipment damage.Theseareasareconservatively addressed intheGIP.
I~TheNRCstaffacknowledged theseismicruggedness ofnuclearpowerplantequipment inthebackfitanalysisforUSIA-46inwhichtheystatedthefollowing:
"...subject tocertainexceptions andcaveats,thestaffhasconcluded thatequipment installed innuclearpowerplantsisinherently ruggedandnotsusceptible toseismicdamage."[NUREG-1211, page16]MethodAisonlyapplicable tostiffequipment withfundamental frequencies overabout8Hz.AsnotedearlierinSection1ofthispaper,SSRAPandSQUGhaveagreedthatexcitations over8Hzhavelittledamagepotential duetolowspectraldisplacements, lowenergycontentandshortduration.
Thisjudgmentissupported byindustryandNRCguidancefordetermining whetheranoperating basisearthquake (OBE)isexceededfollowing aseismiceventatanuclearpowerplant.EPRIReportNP-5930andNRCRegulatory Guide1.166recognize thatdamagepotential issignificantly reducedforearthquake groundmotionsabove10Hz.Inotherwords,thequestionofwhatistheprecisevalueofbuildingamplification over8Hzhasverylittlesafetysignificance.
3.GinnaBuildinsareicalNuclearStructures Asrequested, RGEEisalsoproviding detaileddescription ofthepowerblock.buildingconstruction.
TheGinnapowerblockstructures aretypicalnuclearpowerplantstructures whichweredesignedtoresistlateralloadswithreinforced concreteshearwallsorbracedstructural steelframesystems.Asummarydescription ofthebuildings andtheirfoundations arecontained intheattachedTable1.4.Determination of"GradeElevation" "GradeElevation" determinations forGinnaStationpowerblockbuildingweredescribed inSection2.3oftheJanuary1997submittal:
"GradeElevation Thepowerblockstructures atGinnaarebuiltonthesideofahi'll.Gradeelevation onthenorth(lakeside)ofthepowerblockis253'.Gradeonthesouthsideofthepowerblockis271'.FortheA-46project,agradeelevation of253'asusedforthestructures onthenorthsideofthepowerblock(DG,IB,SHTB),andagradeelevation of271'asusedforthestructures onthesouthsideofthepowerblock(AB,AF,CB).Thecontainment (RC)isfoundedonrockatelevation 235';235'asusedasthegradeelevation forA-46.ItshouldbenotedthatCB289'sthehighestelevation atwhichseismicSSELequipment arelocated,andthatthegreatmajorityofseismicSSELequipment areatelevation 271'rlower.Therefore, forequipment outsidecontainment, whether253'r271'susedasgradewouldnotimpactthe"withinabout40'fgrade"criterion commonlyusedintheGIP."
 
ItshouldbenotedthatCB289'sthehighestelevation atwhichseismicSSELequipment arelocated,andthatthegreatmajorityofseismicSSELequipment areatelevation 271'rlower.Therefore, forequipment outsidecontainment, whether253'r271'susedasgradewouldnotimpactthe"withinabout40'fgrade"criterion commonlyusedintheGIP."Inadditiontopreviousdiscussions inEnclosure 2describing thepowerblockstructures andcorresponding "gradeelevations",
ageneralNorth-South sitecrosssectionisprovided.
Conclusions Thediscussion aboveleadstoseveralconclusions:
ClAlloftheGinnastructures arelargereinforced concreteshearwallorbracedsteelframestructures.
Theyaretypicalofthestructures designedfornuclearplantsof.theGinnavintageandare"typicalnuclearstructures".
CITheresultsfromactualmeasuredISRSon"nucleartype"structures supportthe1.5responselevelsadvocated withinMethodA.0Qualitative assessments oftheconservatism inherentwithinthemethodsutilizedtocalculate ISRShavebeenprovidedabove.Theseconservatisms aretypically quitesignificant (ashasbeenindependently verifiedbymedian/modern assessment suchastheLLNLstudy)andcan/willresultinISRSwhichshowamplifications wellbeyondthe1.5factorfromMethodA.RGEEfeelsstronglythatthespecificexceedances notedbytheNRC(beyondthe1.5factor)onGinnaareduetothesehighconservatisms inherentintheISRSmethodsandnotdueto"unusual, plant-specific situations".
Therefore, theapplication=of Method"Atothestructures atGinnaisappropriate andvalid.CIThereislittlesafetysignificance intheexpecteddifferences betweencalculated ISRSandactualbuildingresponse.
Thelargestsafetyimprovements areprovidedbyappropriately reviewing equipment anchorage, seismicinteraction hazards,andcertainequipment-specific weaknesses whereseismicvulnerabilities havecausedequipment damageinrealearthquakes.
ReviewsoftheseareaswereaprimaryfocusoftheSQUGGIPprocess;therefore RG&E'simplementation oftheGIPatGinnaresultedinsignificant seismicsafetyenhancements.
Table1BuildingDGZBDetailedDescription ofBuildingConstruction Thedieseleneratorbuildin(DG)isaone-story reinforced-concrete(Rc)structure thathastwocablevaultsunderneath thefloor.ThebuildingroofconsistsofaRCslabsupported byfourshearwallsthatsitonconcretespreadfootings.
Ztisarelatively stiffstructure typicalofmostdieselbuildings atnuclearplants.Theintermediate buildin(ZB)islocatedonthenorthandwestsidesofthecontainment
: building, andisfoundedonrock.Thewestendhasaretaining wallwheretheflooratelevation 253ft6in.issupported.
Thebottomoftheretaining wallfootingisatelevation 233ft6in.Rockelevation inthisareaisatapproximate elevation 239ft0in.Foundations forinteriorcolumnsareonindividual columnfootingsandembeddedaminimumof2ftinsolidrock.SHTBCBThescreenhouse-service water(SH)buildingiscomprised oftwosuperstructures, onefortheservicewater(SW)systemandoneforthecirculating watersystem(thescreenhouseportion).
Theservicewater(SW)portionofthebuilding(bothbelowandabovegrade)isaSeismicCategoryIstructure.
Theservicewater(SW)portionhousesfourSeismicCategoryIservicewater(SW)pumpsandSeismicCategoryZelectricswitchgear.
Thescreenhouse portionhousesthetraveling waterscreensandcirculating waterpumps.Theentirescreenhouse-service water(SH)buildingisfoundedinoronbedrockwiththeexception ofthebasementoftheelectricswitchgear portionwhichisfoundedapproximately 4ftabovebedrock.Sincethebuildingisfoundedinbedrockthebasementwillnotrealizeanyspectralacceleration andtheseismicloadingisequivalent tothegroundmotionof0.08gand0.20g.Thebuildingisconstructed ofRCbelowgradeandhasastructural steelsuperstructure.
Theturbinebuildin(TB)isa257.5-ftby124.5-ftrectangular buildingonthenorthsideofthepowerblock.Zthasaconcretebasementatelevation 253.5ft,twoconcretefloors(amezzanine flooratelevation 271ftandanoperating flooratelevation 289.5ft).Thebuildingisaheavilybracedsteelstructure.
Theauxiliabuildin(M))isathree-story rectangular structure, 70ft9in.by214ft5in.Itislocatedsouthofthecontainment andintermediate buildings andadjacenttotheservicebuilding.
Thestructure hasaconcretebasementfloorthatrestsonasandstone foundation atelevation 235ft8in.,andtwoconcretefloors--an intermediate flooratelevation 253ftandanoperating flooratelevation 271ft.Construction belowgradeis(RC)withastructural steelsuerstructure.
Thestandbauxiliafeedwater buildin(AF)isareinforced-concreteseismiccategoryIstructure withreinforced-concrete walls,roof,andbasemat.Thebuildingissupported by12caissonswhicharesocketedintocompetent rock.Thecontrolbuildin(CB)islocatedad)acenttothesouthsideoftheturbinebuildingandisa41-ft11-3/4in.by54-ft1-3/4inthree-story structure withconcretefoundation matatelevation 253ft.Thefoundation ofthecontrolbuildingissupported onleanconcreteorcompacted backfill.
Therockelevation inthisareaisatapproximate elevation 240ft.0in.Thefoundation ofthecontrolbuildingwasexcavated tothesurfaceofthebedrock.Thefillmaterialwasplacedontherocksurfacetoadepthcoincident withthecontrolbuildingfoundation.
Thebottomelevation ofthedeepestportionofthefoundation matisatelevation 245ft4in.,withastructural slabsupported atelevation 250ft6in.withathickened slabforcolumnfootings.
ThebuildingconsistsofbothRCandstructural steel.RCThecontainment buildin(RC)isaverticalrightcylinderwithaflatbaseandahemispherical dome.Thebuildingis99ft.hightothespringlineofthedomeandhasaninsidediameterof105ft.Thecylindrical concretewall,whichisprestressed vertically andreinforced circumferentially withmildsteeldeformedbars,is3.5-ft.thick.Theconcretedomeisareinforced concreteshell2.5-ft.thick.Theconcretebaseslabis2ftthickwithanadditional thickness ofconcretefillof2ftoverthebottomlinerplate.Thecontainment cylinderisfoundedonrock(sandstone) bymeansofpost-tensioned rockanchorswhichensurethattherockthenactsasanintegralpartofthecontainment structure.
*Buildingdescriptions arefromFSARandUFSAR.
4ScreenhouseDieselgenerator annexTurbinebldg.Intermediate bldg.ServicebuildingReactorcontainment buildingI1I~FacadeControluildin11~SlAuxiliary buildingAux.bldg,additionROCHESTER GASANDELECTRICCORPORATION R.E.GINNANUCLEARPOWERPLANTUPDATEDFINALSAFETYANALYSISREPORTFigure3.7-6Containment BuildingandComplexofInterconnected SeismicCategoryIandNonseismic Structures, FlanView LOWWATERDATUNIEL.243.0'IGH WATEROATUNIEL.247.0'REAKWALL EL.261'ISCHARGE CANALEL.231.5'RADE EL.253'LANTGRADEEL.270'RADEEL.270'NVERT OFDEERCREEKEL.250'CREENHOUSE GUARDHOUSE AlD(II0AItQOICCfl0IIIconnIII0I0CAe00CQIllIllOAZZZrZcnc0Z.g~mrIlltlCI8UnO0Z ENCLOSURE 3SECONDREUESTFORADDITIONAL INFORMATION R.E.GINNANUCLEARPOWERPLANTuestion¹2Inyourresponsetothestaff'sRAIQuestions
¹3and¹4,foranumberofequipment items,theequipment frequencies werestatedtohavebeen-judgedbySRTtobegreaterthan8Hzbyinspection.
ProvidethebasisfortheSRTjudgement regarding equipment naturaIfrequency, especially whentheestimated magnitude fornaturalfrequency isreliedupontodetermine theapplicability fortheuseofGIP-2MethodA.l.Youarerequested toprovidefurtherjustification forthefrequency estimation, orprovideanalytical calculations tojustifysuchestimation, fortheequipment itemsidentified asFT-4084,FT-4085,PSF01AaB,SAFVPCIP,
: SAFVPDIP, BVSZ4,DCPDPAB01A&B andDCPDPAB02AaB.
Resonsestouestion¹2ThebasesfortheSRTjudgement was:IIa.TheguidanceprovidedintheEPRIreport,"Guidelines forEstimation orVerification ofEquipment NaturalFrequency",
ResearchProject2925-2,FinalReport,August1992.b.Theexperience oftheSRT.TheSRTwascomposedofRGEEstaffandstafffromanoutsideconsultant, Stevenson 6Associates,(S&A).
TheSaAstaffmembersonthewalkdownswereDr.JohnStevenson, Mr.WalterDjordjevic, andMr.StephenAnagnostis.
Dr.Stevenson has35yearsofexperience inthenuclearpowerindustry; Mr.Djordjevic andMr.Anagnostis eachhave15to20yearsofexperience intheindustry.
Inaddition, Mr.Djordjevic andMr.Anagnostis eachhaveextensive experience performing in-situmodal(frequency response) testsofnuclearpowerplantequipment.
Thistestinginvolvesdozenofpiecesofequipment atmorethantennuclearpowerstations.
Theequipment testedincludescontrolcabinets, motorcontrolcenters,switchgear andinstrument racks.ThistestdataisthebasisofEPRIReportNP-7146,"Guidelines forDevelopment ofIn-Cabinet Amplified ResponseSpectraforElectrical Benchboards andPanels",andtheprocedures forcalculating in-cabinet spectradescribed inGIP-2Section6.4.2(Screening Level3).FT-4084andFT-4085StandbAFWPumFlowTransmitters Theseflowtransmitters areindividually mountedtoasteelbaseplateandanchoredtoareinforced concretewallwithfour(4)3/8"concreteexpansion anchors,asshowninpicturebelow.TheSRTjudgedthisequipment tohaveafundamental frequency greaterthan8Hzbasedonthesmallsize,smallweight,andstiffsupport.4j~~.\4Wl'rQ".rjfo1 TheEPRIguidelines donotdiscussindividually mountedpressureswitches, butdodiscusssteelframeinstrument rackshousinganumberofpressureswitchesandrelatedequipment.
Section3.3oftheguidelines statethat"Often,bracedrackswillhavefrequencies greaterthan8Hz.Thewalkdownteamneedonlybecautiousofverylarge,heavilyweighted, veryweakly-braced racks,orverylowbracedracks".Basedonthisguidance, itisreasonable toconcludethatanindividual transmitter, securelymountedtoareinforced concretewall,willhaveafundamental frequency greaterthan8Hz.PSF01APSF01BStandbAFWPumsCandDTheseare300HPelectric-motor horizontal pumps.Eachpumpismountedonanapproximately 3'-6"wideby10'-6"longsteelskid.Theskidisanchoredtoa27"highcontinuous concretepedestalwithtwelve(12)3/4"cast-in-place bolts.Thepedestaliswellreinforced anddoweledintothefloorslab.Therearenovibration isolators.
Section2.2oftheEPRIguidelines states:"Further, thefollowing classesofmechanical equipment areconsidered tobesufficiently ruggedthatthewalkdownteammayassume,withoutfurtherjustification, thattheirnaturalfrequencies areabove8Hz:PumpsEngineandMotorGenerators AirCompressors FansandAirHandlersChil,lersTestingonshaketablesandinthefieldhasshownthatequipment intheseclasseshavenaturalfrequencies greaterthan8Hzgiventhattheyhavedirectanchorage tothefloorandthatappendages suchasveryflexiblecontrolpanelsarenotpresent.Onepossibleexception isthatdeepwellpumpsmayhaveunsupported cantilever columnsandsuctionbowlswithnaturalfrequency below8Hz(Notethatthisaddressed byaseparateSQUGcaveat).SAFWPCIPSAFWPDIPStandbAFWPumInstrument PanelsThesearewallmountedinstrument panels.Eachpanelis30"widex54"highx32"deepandisweldedtocontinuous anglesrunningalongthetopandbottomofthepanel.Theanglesaresecuredtoareinforced concretewallwith5/8"concreteexpansion anchors(Bothtopanglesandoneofthebottomanglesaresecuredwiththreeanchors;theotherbottomangleissecuredwithtwoanchors.)
TheEPRIguidelines indicatethatthepresenceofwell-engineered topbracingonelectrical equipment issufficient tosupportthejudgement thattheequipment hasafundamental frequency above8Hz.TheSRTexperience isthattypical(30"widex30"deepx90"tall),properlyanchored, floormountedinstrument cabinetshaveafundamental frequency intherangeof10Hz-15Hz.Smaller,wallmountedcabinetsofsimilarconstruction (suchasthesubjectpanel)haveatleastashighafundamental frequency.
BUS14480VSwitchearThisisaWestinghouse TypeDBlowvoltageswitchgear, 160"widex58"deepx76"high.Theswitchgear isanchoredwithten(10)3/4"HiltiKwikbolts.Section3.7oftheEPRIguidelines states:"Aslongasalineuphassixsectionsormore,thenaturalfrequency ofswitchgearunitsmaybeassumedtobeabove8Hz".S&AhastestedasimilarWestinghouse lowvoltageswitchgear attheConnecticut Yankeenuclearstation.Thatunit(designated BUS4atCY)is408"widex54"deepx90"high.Afundamental frequency of9.0Hzwasmeasured.
DCPDPAB01A andBDCPDPAB02A andBAuxBuildinDCPowerDistribution PanelsThesearewallmountedpanelboards (powerdistribution panels).Eachpanelboardis30"widex40"widex12"deep,andwellanchored, nearthetopandbottom,toareinforced concretewallorareinforced concretecolumn.Section2.3oftheEPRIguidelines statesthatpanelboards (wall-mounted distribution panels),ifanchoredtoasubstantial floororwall,willhaveafundamental frequency ofatleast12Hz.uestion3Inyourresponsetothestaff'sRAI,Question¹4,youindicated thattheseismiccapacityvs.demandevaluation fortheUndervoltage RelayCabinetBus24QRAZRC24) wasbasedonshake-table testing.Youarerequested toprovideadetaileddiscussion ofthetestingandtojustifytheadequacyofsuchtesting.Resonsetouestion¹3


==References:==
==References:==


AmericanEnvironments Company,Inc.,ReportNo.STR-142280-1, 11/4/80(RG&EProjectEWR-1444)
American Environments Company, Inc., Report No.STR-142280-1, 11/4/80 (RG&E Project EWR-1444)American Environments Company, Inc., Report No.STR-142280-2, 12/31/80 (RG&E Project EWR-1444)American Environments Company, Inc., Report No.STR-142280-3, 1/5/81 (RG&E Project EWR-1444)There are eight (8)relay/control cabinets of this make on the SSEL.Their equipment designations and locations are listed below: ARA1CC14 ARA1RC14 ARA2CC18 ARA2RC18 ARB1CC16 ARB1RC16 ARB2CC17 ARB2RC17 Control Building 271.00 Aux Building 271.00 Screenhouse 253.00 Screenhouse 253.00 Control Building 271.00 Aux Building 253.00 Screenhouse 253.00 Screenhouse 253.00 The four cabinets outside the screenhouse are each stand-alone and 24" wide x 24" deep x 70" high.The four cabinets in the screenhouse consist of two pairs of attached cabinets;each pair is 48" wide x 24" deep x 70" high.Each 24" x 24" x 72" cabinet is anchored to a reinforced concrete floor with four (4)Hilti Kwik-Bolts.
AmericanEnvironments Company,Inc.,ReportNo.STR-142280-2, 12/31/80(RG&EProjectEWR-1444)
The cabinets were shake-table tested as documented in References 1 through 3.The shake-table tests were random, multi-frequency, and biaxial (one horizontal and the vertical direction);
AmericanEnvironments Company,Inc.,ReportNo.STR-142280-3, 1/5/81(RG&EProjectEWR-1444)
the tests were repeated with the specimen rotated 90 degrees about the vertical axis.The"RRS vs.FRS" plot below shows the tests'RS (Required Response Spectra)compared to the envelope of the FRS (Floor Response Spectra)for all locations listed above.The RRS envelopes the FRS,'ut note that the RRS is 3%damped, while the FRS is 4%damped.However, the RRS is well above the FRS in the peak range, and the actual test response spectra exceeded the RRS by a substantial amount, particularly for frequencies above the peak range.Section 5.0 of the test reports state:  
Thereareeight(8)relay/control cabinetsofthismakeontheSSEL.Theirequipment designations andlocations arelistedbelow:ARA1CC14ARA1RC14ARA2CC18ARA2RC18ARB1CC16ARB1RC16ARB2CC17ARB2RC17ControlBuilding271.00AuxBuilding271.00Screenhouse 253.00Screenhouse 253.00ControlBuilding271.00AuxBuilding253.00Screenhouse 253.00Screenhouse 253.00Thefourcabinetsoutsidethescreenhouse areeachstand-alone and24"widex24"deepx70"high.Thefourcabinetsinthescreenhouse consistoftwopairsofattachedcabinets; eachpairis48"widex24"deepx70"high.Each24"x24"x72"cabinetisanchoredtoareinforced concretefloorwithfour(4)HiltiKwik-Bolts.
"The test specimen continued to function before, during and after exposure to the Seismic Qualification Test Program.There was no evidence of physical damage, or reported electrical malfunction observed.as a result of the stresses of this test program." 10-Required Response Spectrum, 3o/o damping Envelope of Floor Response Spectra, 4'4 damping p'L~lp r r I r J r r r~l'0.1 10 100 Frequency (Hz)uestion 44 For the 48D VAC Motor Control Center (MCC)-, you indicated that the MCC can withstand a single frequency test consisting of a 1.35g, 5 beat, 5 cycle/beat input, performed at the signficant structural frequencies.
Thecabinetswereshake-table testedasdocumented inReferences 1through3.Theshake-table testswererandom,multi-frequency, andbiaxial(onehorizontal andtheverticaldirection);
It is known that single-axis, single frequency sine beat tests'ostly performed prior to the issuance of IEEE Standard 344-1975, are considered inadequate for equipment seismic qualification due to their inability to excite multi-axis, multi-frequency responses of equipment (the very reason that plants are included in the USI A-46 program).You are requested to justify the seismic adequacy of this motor control center.Res onse to uestion 4
thetestswererepeatedwiththespecimenrotated90degreesabouttheverticalaxis.The"RRSvs.FRS"plotbelowshowsthetests'RS(Required ResponseSpectra)comparedtotheenvelopeoftheFRS(FloorResponseSpectra)foralllocations listedabove.TheRRSenvelopes theFRS,'utnotethattheRRSis3%damped,whiletheFRSis4%damped.However,theRRSiswellabovetheFRSinthepeakrange,andtheactualtestresponsespectraexceededtheRRSbyasubstantial amount,particularly forfrequencies abovethepeakrange.Section5.0ofthetestreportsstate:  
"Thetestspecimencontinued tofunctionbefore,duringandafterexposuretotheSeismicQualification TestProgram.Therewasnoevidenceofphysicaldamage,orreportedelectrical malfunction observed.asaresultofthestressesofthistestprogram."
10-RequiredResponseSpectrum, 3o/odampingEnvelopeofFloorResponseSpectra,4'4dampingp'L~lprrIrJrrr~l'0.110100Frequency (Hz)uestion44Forthe48DVACMotorControlCenter(MCC)-,youindicated thattheMCCcanwithstand asinglefrequency testconsisting ofa1.35g,5beat,5cycle/beat input,performed atthesignficant structural frequencies.
Itisknownthatsingle-axis, singlefrequency sinebeattests'ostly performed priortotheissuanceofIEEEStandard344-1975, areconsidered inadequate forequipment seismicqualification duetotheirinability toexcitemulti-axis, multi-frequency responses ofequipment (theveryreasonthatplantsareincludedintheUSIA-46program).
Youarerequested tojustifytheseismicadequacyofthismotorcontrolcenter.Resonsetouestion4


==Reference:==
==Reference:==


LetterfromG.R.Geertman(Gilbert/Commonwealth) toC.J.Mambretti (RG&E)datedAu<fust11,1976.ThesubjectMCC(equipment designation MCCL)isa4sectionWestinghouse MCC,66"widex19"deepx90"high.Itisanchoredwitheight(8)1/2"concreteexpansion anchors.TheMCCislocatedonelevation 271'ftheAuxiliary Building.
Letter from G.R.Geertman (Gilbert/Commonwealth) to C.J.Mambretti (RG&E)dated Au<fust 11, 1976.The subject MCC (equipment designation MCCL)is a 4 section Westinghouse MCC, 66" wide x 19" deep x 90" high.It is anchored with eight (8)1/2" concrete expansion anchors.The MCC is located on elevation 271'f the Auxiliary Building.
10Thefollowing plotcontainsseveralresponsespectratoillustrate thediscussion thatfollows.I~I~---r---r--r IJ~I~~II~JI~IIIIJQtI~QI-AB271A46FloorResponseSpectrum(EW/NS
10 The following plot contains several response spectra to illustrate the discussion that follows.I~I~---r---r--r I J~I~~I I~J I~I I I I J Q t I~QI-AB 271 A46 Floor Response Spectrum(EW/NS Envelope, A damping)-Rersponse spectrum tor 5 cycrbeat wylae Lab Test{4%damping)---Response spectrum used by westinghouse tor Analysis (ass damping)S I I I S~I I I I~I c I I I~I I I I I I I r 1 I 1 r'I I 1 I I I,I~I I I I I T 1 T I, I I I~~I I I I I I I~~I I I I I 0.1 1~~I~I I I I J J J I I I I I I~I I I I 1~I I I I~I~I I I I I r I~I I I I I I I 10 I I 1 T T~I I I T I I I I~I I I~~I~I I~I I~I~I I I I S I I I S I I I I I I I I I~I I I I I~I~Frequency (Hs)The reference contains a summary report from Westinghouse documenting the MCC's seismi'c qualification.
: Envelope, Adamping)-Rersponse spectrumtor5cycrbeatwylaeLabTest{4%damping)---Responsespectrumusedbywestinghouse torAnalysis(assdamping)SIIIS~IIII~IcIII~IIIIIIIr1I1r'II1III,I~IIIIIT1TI,III~~IIIIIII~~IIIII0.11~~I~IIIIJJJIIIIII~IIII1~IIII~I~IIIIIrI~IIIIIII10II1TT~IIITIIII~III~~I~II~II~I~IIIISIIISIIIIIIIII~IIIII~I~Frequency (Hs)Thereference containsasummaryreportfromWestinghouse documenting theMCC'sseismi'cqualification.
The MCC was originally tested in 1972 at Wyle Labs following the requirements of TEEE 344-1971.The test.used a single frequency, 5 cycle/beat sine beat input dwelled at the significant structural frequencies of the MCC (by test, the fundamental frequency was found to be 8.5 Hz).The motion was simultaneously applied in the-horizontal direction at 1.35g and in the vertical direction at 0.95g.The corresponding response spectrum is shown in the above figure as the thinner solid line.Subsequently, Westinghouse performed a multi-frequency, multi-directional dynamic analysis using the response spectrum shown in the above figure as a dashed line.Westinghouse termed this response spectrum the nGinna Station SSE Required Response Spectrum".
TheMCCwasoriginally testedin1972atWyleLabsfollowing therequirements ofTEEE344-1971.
The analysis showed that the in-structure accelerations induced by this response spectrum were about.1/2 those induced by the test.Based on this, Westinghouse concluded that the MCC was seismically qualified.
Thetest.usedasinglefrequency, 5cycle/beat sinebeatinputdwelledatthesignificant structural frequencies oftheMCC(bytest,thefundamental frequency wasfoundtobe8.5Hz).Themotionwassimultaneously appliedinthe-horizontal direction at1.35gandintheverticaldirection at0.95g.Thecorresponding responsespectrumisshownintheabovefigureasthethinnersolidline.Subsequently, Westinghouse performed amulti-frequency, multi-directional dynamicanalysisusingtheresponsespectrumshownintheabovefigureasadashedline.Westinghouse termedthisresponsespectrumthenGinnaStationSSERequiredResponseSpectrum".
The basis of Westinghouse's analysis spectrum (the dashed line)is not known.For comparison, the A-46 floor response spectrum for Aux Building 271'the location of the MCC)is shown in the above figure as the thicker solid line.The A-46 spectrum is substantially below both the Westinghouse analysis spectrum and the Wyle test spectrqm).particularly in the fundamental frequency range at 8.5 Hz.The ZPA of the A-46 spectrum is 0.3g, or less than 1/4 of the test input level.While the original sine beat test was not as sophisticated as current-day multi-frequency, multi-axis tests, the SRT concluded that the high acceleration levels used in the test were more than adequate compensation.
Theanalysisshowedthatthein-structure accelerations inducedbythisresponsespectrumwereabout.1/2thoseinducedbythetest.Basedonthis,Westinghouse concluded thattheMCCwasseismically qualified.
Note that the test data documented a fundamental frequency greater than 8 Hz and that Aux Building 271's within 40'f effective grade, therefore the MCC meets the screening requirements for GIP Method A.The SRT chose to base its acceptance on the test report, rather than Method A, because it found that the test report to be a more compelling argument.}}
ThebasisofWestinghouse's analysisspectrum(thedashedline)isnotknown.Forcomparison, theA-46floorresponsespectrumforAuxBuilding271'thelocationoftheMCC)isshownintheabovefigureasthethickersolidline.TheA-46spectrumissubstantially belowboththeWestinghouse analysisspectrumandtheWyletestspectrqm)
.particularly inthefundamental frequency rangeat8.5Hz.TheZPAoftheA-46spectrumis0.3g,orlessthan1/4ofthetestinputlevel.Whiletheoriginalsinebeattestwasnotassophisticated ascurrent-day multi-frequency, multi-axis tests,theSRTconcluded thatthehighacceleration levelsusedinthetestweremorethanadequatecompensation.
Notethatthetestdatadocumented afundamental frequency greaterthan8HzandthatAuxBuilding271'swithin40'feffective grade,therefore theMCCmeetsthescreening requirements forGIPMethodA.TheSRTchosetobaseitsacceptance onthetestreport,ratherthanMethodA,becauseitfoundthatthetestreporttobeamorecompelling argument.}}

Revision as of 13:35, 7 July 2018

Forwards Response to NRC 981203 RAI Re Resolution of Unresolved Safety Issue USI A-46.Util Does Not Agree with NRCs Interpretation.Detailed Bases,Encl
ML17265A536
Person / Time
Site: Ginna Constellation icon.png
Issue date: 02/02/1999
From: MECREDY R C
ROCHESTER GAS & ELECTRIC CORP.
To: VISSING G
NRC, NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM)
References
REF-GTECI-A-46, REF-GTECI-SC, TASK-A-46, TASK-OR NUDOCS 9902100108
Download: ML17265A536 (31)


Text

CATEGORY 1 REGULATORY INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (RIDS)ACCESSXON NBR:9902100108 DOC.DATE: 99/02/02 NOTARIZED:

NO FACXL:50-244 Robert Emmet Ginna Nuclear Plant, Unit 1, Rochester G ,,AUTH.NAME, AUTHOR AFFILIATION MECREDY,R.C.

Rochester Gas S Electric Corp.RECIP.NAME RECIPIENT AFFILIATION VISSING,G.

DOCKET 05000244

SUBJECT:

Forwards response to NRC 981203 RAI re resolution of unresolved safety i'@sue USX A-46.DISTRIBUTION CODE: A025D COPIES RECEIVED:LTR ENCL SIZE: TITLE: Seismic Qualification of Equipment in Operating Plants NOTES:License Exp date in accordance with 10CFR2,2.109(9/19/72)

A-46-GL-87'05000244 E RECIPIENT ID CODE/NAME OGC/HDS3 VISSING,G.

XNTERNA ILE CENTER 01 NR E GB NRR/DRCH/HICB NRR/DRPE/PD1-3 EXTERNAL: NRC PDR COPIES RECIPIENT LTTR ENCQ ID CODE/NAME 1 1 X PD1-1 PD 1 1 MPR/DE 1 1 NRR/DE/EMEB 1 1 NRR/DRCH/HOHB 1 1 NRR/DISA/SRXB 1 1 COPIES LTTR ENCL 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 N NOTE TO ALL"RIDS" RECIPIENTS:

PLEASE HELP US TO REDUCE WASTE.TO HAVE YOUR NAME OR ORGANIZATION REMOVED FROM DISTRIBUTION LISTS OR REDUCE THE NUMBER OF COPIES RECEIVED BY YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION, CONTACT THE DOCUMENT CONTROL DESK (DCD)ON EXTENSION 415-2083 TOTAL NUMBER OF COPIES REQUXRED: LTTR 13 ENCL 13 V C 4 Ar)rn ROCHESTER GAS AND ElECTRIC CORPORATION

~89 FAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER N.Y.Id6d9.0001 ROBERT C.MECREDY Vice President Nuclear Operating Group AREA CODE 716 546-2700 February 2, 1999 U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission Document Control Desk ATTN: Guy Vissing Project Directorate I-1 Washington, D.C.20555-0001

Subject:

Response to NRC"Second Request for Additional Information" (RAI)on the resolution of Unresolved Safety Issue (USI)A-46.R.E.Ginna Nuclear Power Plant Docket No.50/244

Reference:

A.Letter from Robert C.Mecredy (RGEE)to Document Control Desk (NRC), dated January 31, 1997,"Resolution of Generic Letter 87-02, Supplement 1 and Generic Letter 88-20, Supplements 4 and 5 (Seismic Events Only)." B.C.Letter from Guy S.Vissing (NRC)to Dr.Robert C.Mecredy (RGRE), dated April 6, 1998,"Request for Additional Information on the resolution of Unresolved Safety Issue (USI)A-46." Letter from Robert C.Mecredy (RG&E)to Document Control Desk (NRC), dated May 27, 1998,"Response to RAI on USI A-46." D.

Dear Mr.Vissing:

Letter from Guy S.Vissing (NRC)to Dr.Robert C.Mecredy, dated December 3, 1998,"Second Request for Additional Information".

1 (/QO This letter provides responses to the NRC's"Request for Additional Information" (RAI), dated December 3, 1998 (Ref.D).Enclosures 1 and 2 along with the paragraphs below respond to Question 1 parts a and b regarding the use of GIP"Method A" at Ginna Station.Responses to questions 2, 3 and 4 regarding specific SQUG screening methods and testing data are provided in Enclosure 3.9902i00108 990202 PDR ADQCK 05000244 P PDR The use of"GIP Method A" is described in the Generic Implementation Procedure, Revision 2 (GIP-2), the Supplemental Safety Evaluation Report No.2 (SSER No.2), and the documents referenced in GIP-2 upon which GIP-2 is based.RG&E used Method A to estimate seismic demand for certain equipment within 40 feet of effective grade at Ginna.The NRC has questioned RG&E's use of Method A on the basis that Method A may be used only if the amplification factor between the free-field ground response spectrum (GRS)and the calculated in-structure response spectra (ISRS)being used by the plant is not more than about 1.5.The NRC position is based on their interpretation of the language on page 4-16 of the GIP which says that"the amplification factor between the free-field response spectra and the in-structure response spectra will not be more than about 1.5...".Rochester Gas and Electric does not agree with the NRC's interpretation.

It is RG&E's position that the approach used for applying and implementing GIP Method A for estimation of the seismic demand on equipment at Ginna for resolution of the USI A-46 program is appropriate and technically justified.

Detailed bases are provided in Enclosure 1.With respect to the NRC's question regarding differences between the in-structure response spectra and the 1.5x ground response spectra, RG&E notes that these spectra were generated using conservative methods and assumptions (typical of most nuclear plant response analyses)which artificially increased the amplifications over those which would be expected in an actual earthquake.

A detailed qualitative assessment of these conservatisms are provided in Enclosure 2.Based on the above, and the information in Enclosures 1 and 2, we believe that RG&E has properly interpreted the conditions on use of Method A, and that these conditions appear to have been understood and accepted by the NRC staff until recently, after RG&E completed'the USI A-46 reviews at Ginna.To change this interpretation at this stage in the program for resolution of A-46 would be inconsistent with the spirit and intent of A-46 and would also require rework of equipment or additional analyses and evaluations without a commensurate safety benefit.Please contact George Wrobel at (716)771-3535 if you have any additional questions.

Very truly yours, Robert C.Mecredy Enclosures (3)xc: Mr.Guy S.Vissing (Mail Stop 14B2)Project Directorate I-1 Division of Reactor Projects-I/II Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C.20555 Regional Administrator, Region I U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission 475 Allendale Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Mr.P.Drysdale U.S.NRC Ginna Senior Resident Inspector Bases for Interpretation and Implementation of GXP-2 Rules for Method A It is Rochester Gas and Electric's position that Rochester's Ginna Station has properly interpreted and implemented the rules for use of GIP Method A as previously reviewed and accepted by the NRC.The bases for this position are as follows: SQUG and Rochester Gas and Electric's Interpretation of the GIP The caution given on page 4-16 of GIP-2 lists two limitations on use of Method A: Equipment should be mounted in the nuclear plant below about 40 feet above the effective grade, and Equipment should have a fundamental natural frequency greater than about 8 Hz.The introductory wording in GIP-2 for these two limitations provides the bases or purposes for imposing them, namely (1)to limit amplification to no more than about 1.5 and (2)to avoid the high-energy frequency range of earthquakes.

The specific limitations which are intended by the SQUG/NRC expert panel (SSRAP)and SQUG to satisfy these bases are included in the two bulleted items listed above.The statement on page 4-16 that"the amplification will not exceed about 1.5" is the expected result of meeting the above limitations, not a third condition.

At no time was a comparison of Method A amplification with that of calculated ISRS ever intended.In fact, the entire context of the caution on page 4-16 of GIP-2 makes clear that the advantage of Method A is that equipment meeting the two bulleted limitations above"can be evaluated without the need for using in-structure response spectra..." 2.The Intent of the GIP is Clear and SSRAP Agrees The GIP (page 4-11)cites the SSRAP report as the basis for the Bounding Spectrum which is used in Method A, and requires users to read and understand it.The SSRAP report clearly explains the limitations and conditions which appear on page 4-16 of the GIP.SSRAP's report states:

"Thus, it is SSRAP's judgment that amplifications greater than a factor of 1.5 are unlikely in stiff structures at elevations less than 40 feet above grade except possibly at the fundamental frequency of the building where higher amplifications occur when such a frequency is less than about 6 Hz.Thus, for equipment with fundamental frequencies greater than about 8 Hz in the as-anchored condition it was judged that floor spectral amplifications within 40 feet of grade would be less than 1.5 when reasonably computed using more median centered approaches."[SSRAP Report, page 102]The SSRAP Chairman and developer of Method A, Dr.Robert Kennedy, was contacted by SQUG and concurs with the interpretation given in item 1 above.The NRC Was Aware of SQUG's Interpretation When It Was Developed The NRC backfit analysis in NUREG-1211, which justifies implementation of the USI A-46 program by affected licensees, relies on the conclusions reached by SSRAP in their review of seismic experience data.NUREG-1211 states the following: "The NRC staff has closely followed the SSRAP work and is in broad agreement with its conclusions.

The staff has concluded that if the SSRAP spectral conditions are met, it is generally unnecessary to perform explicit seismic qualification on the eight (1)classes of equipment studied."[NUREG-1211, page 17](1)The eight classes of equipment cited in NUREG-1211 were later expanded to 20 equipment classes.Note that this quotation specifically makes reference to the SSRAP"spectral conditions." The spectral conditions are described in SQUG's position given above and were included in GIP-2.The use of Method A was previously reviewed and accepted by the NRC and SSRAP representatives during two pilot plant reviews conducted in 1987 and 1988.These reviews are documented in GIP-2 References 16 and 25.The specific material presented to the NRC representatives on use of Method A is described in the report of the BWR pilot review as shown in Figure 1.Note that the seismic demand criteria described during this trial plant review are the same as described in item 1 above.NRC and SSRAP representatives raised no objections to the approach used by SQUG in conducting these trial plant reviews.The topics discussed with and comments made by NRC and SSRAP representatives during the BWR pilot'eview are included in Figure 2;note that seismic demand information was discussed in some detail.

The Rochester Gas&Electric/SQUG interpretation of the rules for applying Method A is also consistent with the SQUG training course on use of the GIP methods'igure 3 is an excerpt from the class notes used during this course.It shows, in Slide 26, several screening methods for comparing equipment capacity to demand.Screen 52 illustrates uses of GIP Method A as described in Item 1 above'hat is, if equipment is below 40 feet and above 8 Hz, and the Bounding Spectrum envelopes the ground response spectrum, the equipment is acceptable.

This training material was used during the first session of the SQUG training course held during the week of June 22, 1993.Two NRC staff members (P.Y.Chen, Michael McBrearty) and a NRC contractor (Kamal Bandyopodhyay) attended this initial session and later provided comments on the training course in a letter dated August 28, 1992.The NRC did not raise any objections to the approach taught by SQUG in this course for applying Method A.Subsequent to this initial session of the course, 11 additional NRC staff members and contractors attended other sessions of this course;similarly, none of them raised objections to how SQUG was teaching use of GIP Method A.NRC Interpretation Renders Method A Not Useful The..NRC interpretation is that Method A can be used only when calculated ISRS are less than 1.5x GRS.This interpretation negates the value of using Method A because it could only be used when it produces higher seismic demand than Method B where calculated ISRS are used.Under this interpretation, Method A would never be used.This is inconsistent with Method A'development and use, and was never the intent.

FIGURE j.(Figure 1 contains an excerpt from GIP-2, Reference 25, which shows the seismic demand criteria used during the BWR Trial Plant Review.)SEISMIC DEMAND CRITERIA APPLICATION DEMAND CRITERIA Equipment in experience data base and less than 40'bove 243', and fundamental frequency greater than 8 Hz.1.Compare ground Spectra with bounding spectrum (Figure 3.1 in SSRAP report).Equipment in experience data base over 40'bove 243'over 281'levation) or fundamental frequency less than 8 Hz.Equipment covered by GERS (any elevation, frequency).

Compare amplified floor response spectra with 1.5 x bounding spectrum (Figure R1....,Rn, TI,...,Tn).

Compare amplified floor spectra (median-centered) with 2/3 x SERS for specific equipment class.4~Anchorage evaluation and equipment-specific stress checks (excluding valves): Equipment within 40'f"grade" (elevation 281'nd below)and fundamental frequency less than 8 Hz.Equipment at any elevation.

Utilize accelerations from (1.5 x ground spectra)x 1.25.Utilize accelerations from median-centered amplif ied floor response spectra x 1.25.Equivalent static load factor for all equipment (except valves).Static load check for valve operator/yoke checks.Using appropriate spectra with multiplier, use: Peak acceleration for flexible equipment.

ZPA for rigid equipment.

Acceleration at calculated fundamental frequency.

3G, Weak direction.

Note: In general, for equipment.

with fundamental frequency greater than 8 Hz and within 40'f grade.1.5 x ground spectra may be used as an estimate of median-centered amplified floor spectra.

FIGURE 2 (Figure 2 contains an excerpt from GZP-2, Reference 25, which summarizes the SSRAP and NRC comments on the BWR Trial Plant Review)Section 8 SENIOR SEISMIC REVIEW AND ADVISORY PANEL (SSRAP)AND NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (NRC)REVIEWS Representatives of SSRAP and the NRC attended the NMP-1 walkdown on February 1st through 3rd (Days 8 through 10).On February 1st, following radiation protection training and dosimetry issuance, the SSRAP and NRC representatives were briefed on the organization and conduct of the NMP-1 walkdown.The indoctrination and pre-walkdown materials covered by SQUG for the walkdown participants were also reviewed with SSRAP and the NRC.The indoctrination/training materials are given in Appendix C and include information on the organization and schedule of the walkdown, the rules of conduct in the plant, plant-specific data on the seismic demand levels for the walkdown, and summary information on GIP requirements for review of seismic demand versus capacity, equipment caveats, anchorage evaluation and evaluation of interactions.

The NMP-1 seismic demand information used for this walkdown was discussed in some detail.SQUG representatives explained that the seismic ground motion used as a basis for the walkdown is a plant-specific, uniform hazard, ground-motion spectra developed by A.Cornell and R.McGuixe and is anchored at 0.13 G.This ground-motion spectra envelopes the NMP-1 FSAR licensing basis SSE spectra which is anchored at 0.11 G.The NMP-1 uniform hazard ground-motion spectra is shown in Appendix C.Also in this Appendix are amplified floor response spectra developed for NMP-1 using modern reactor and turbine building models and the 0.13 G uniform hazard ground-motion spectra.Mr.Djordjevic (Stevenson s Associates) reviewed the bases for the amplified floor response spectra and indicated that they are being used as mean-centered, realistic spectra.Dr.Kennedy (SSRAP)expressed the view that he believes the floor response spectra are conservative and generally in accordance with current Standard Review Plan criteria.As a result, SSRAP considers that it is not necessary to utilize the additional factors of safety recommended by SSRAP for use with mean-centered spectra (1.5 for use of GERS and 1.25 for anchorage evaluation) in using the NMP-1 floor response spectra during this walkdown.A second area discussed regarding the seismic demand was the effective grade level at NMP-1.At this site, the tuxbine building is founded on rock at elevation 243 feet above sea level.The reactor building is founded on rock at 198 feet.Grade elevation is 261 feet.In the construction of the buildings, the sites were excavated to the foundation level, the buildings constructed, and the annular space between the building and the rock excavation was backfilled with crushed stone up to the 251 foot grade elevation.

An elevation view of the plant is included in Appendix C.SQUG and NMPC representatives explained that while they believe lateral support is provided by the crushed stone backfill, it has been conservatively assumed for the purpose of this walkdown that the effective grade elevation is at about 240-243 feet.This elevation corresponds to the foundation of the turbine building and the elevation in the reactor building where the structure changes from an essentially monolithic concrete block structure (including the reactor base mat)to that of reinforced concrete walls and floors.Essentially no amplification is expected in the reactor building up to about 243 feet.On this basis, the elevations which are considered to be within 40 feet of effective grade, are those elevations in the reactor and turbine buildings up to and including the 281 foot elevation.

SSRAP was in general agreement with this approach.

Prior to walkdown of the plant by SSRAP and NRC reviewers, the three SRTs described their progress to date, highlighting areas they particularly wanted the reviewers to evaluate.SSRAP and NRC representatives spent most of February 2nd performing independent walkdowns of NMP-l.Essentially all safe shutdown equipment was seen by them with the exception of the emergency condensers and related equipment, several reactor coolant system instruments, several reactor coolant system isolation valves, core spray and containment spray pumps in the basement corner rooms and the equipment in the drywell, all of which were inaccessible due to the need for radiation work permits (RWPs).Following this walkdown, Dr.Kennedy provided a summary of SSRAP's observations and conclusions:

The SSRAP walkdown was performed to determine how the seismic review teams (SRTs)were operating, to assess how the SRTs were evaluating and dispositioning the safe shutdown equipment, and to obtain a general sense of the seismic ruggedness of NMP-1.SSRAP did not observe many seismic concerns and no serious seismic issues.The expected outliers identified by the SRTs were considered by SSRAP to be typical.Dr.Kennedy remarked that, in fact, there were fewer outliers than would be expected for a plant of this vintage.He believes that this is result of the numerous seismic upgrades performed by NMPC over the years which were apparent to SSRAP during their walkdown.It is SSRAP's judgment, based on their walkdown, that the SRT members received adequate training to perform the walkdown and that they were doing an adequate and qualified job of evaluating the seismic adequacy of the safe shutdown equipment.

SSRAP generally expressed the opinion that when the SRTs reached different conclusions than SSRAP, the SRTs'onclusions were more conservative (i.e., the SRTs may have identified more outliers than would SSRAP).SSRAP is uncertain if the utility SRTs used during the trial plant walkdown are representative of the SRTs other utilities might use for their walkdowns, since SSRAP believes that the utility SRT members at the trial plant walkdown have considerable seismic experience.

As a result, SSRAP continues to believe that it is essential that the SRT members have adequate qualifications and experience in seismic engineering.

Following Dr.Kennedy's summary report, NRC representatives presented their observations and conclusions.

Dr.T.Y.Chang, USI A-46,Program Manager, reported the following:

The NRC generally agrees with the SSRAP review findings.The NRC believes that the walkdown has shown that the use of utility engineers is a viable approach provided the SRT members have the proper level of experience.

The NRC still strongly believes that the qualifications of the SRT members are very important, irrespective of whether the members are utility employees or contractors.

Further, the NRC believes that the training program is not enough to make an engineer a seismic expert.The SRT members should have the requisite seismic experience prior to their selection for training and the walkdowns.The conduct of the NMP-1 walkdown was very smooth.The NRC commented that it is clear that the lessons learned from the Trial Plant 1 walkdown were factored into this walkdown in that there was a considerable amount of pre-walkdown planning which contributed to the smoothness of the walkdown.The NRC was impressed with the layout of NMP-1.The plant is open and has considerable space which contributes to both good maintenance and a lack of seismic interaction hazards.The NRC observed during their walkdown (as did the SRTs and SSRAP)that the quality of the anchor welds in some electrical cabinets was marginal.The NRC noted that the relay review for NMP-1 was performed for a sample of typical safe shutdown circuits and did not cover every safe shutdown circuit and relay in this plant.They noted that the remaining circuits and relays need to be reviewed before the seismic review for NMP-1 is complete.

There was some discussion of the uniform hazard ground-motion spectra used for this walkdown.Since this spectra bounds the licensing basis ground-motion SSE spectra for NMP-1, the NRC concluded that this ground-motion spectra is acceptable and meets the requirements of USI A-46.The NRC also noted that they concur that the amplified floor spectra used for this walkdown are conservative spectral (Figure 3 contains an excerpt from the SQUG Walkdown Training Course class notes which shows the screening process for comparing equipment capacity to demand.)Equipment Capacity vs.Demand Screening Process Reference Spectrum>IRS Screen 1 Screen 2 Below 40'Above S Hz 8 8ounding Spectrum>GRS GERS>IRS Screen 3 Screen 4 QualiTication Documentation

>IRS Ou5iers Capacity>Derrt and Resolve-Slide 26 ENCLOSURE 2 Position Pa er on the Use of Method A at Ginna~Pur os e The purpose of this position paper is to provide supporting information for application of Method A at Ginna as requested by the NRC in question 1 of a second RAI on the USI A-46 program.This enclosure describes many of the conservatisms that exist in computed in-structure response spectra and the safety significance of the difference between computed and actual building response.1.Conservatism in Calculated ISRS The process of calculating in-structure response spectra (ISRS)is a complicated analytical exercise requiring a significant number of approximations, modeling assumptions and engineering judgments.

As a result, the historical development of these ISRS has included a tremendous amount of conservatism which has typically served two purposes: It has reduced the technical debate as to the correct modeling of the many parameters which are intrinsic to the ISRS calculational methodology, and;2.It has reduced the costs associated with a very detailed state-of-the-art analysis, (which would attempt to trim out all the unnecessary conservatisms)

.As a part of the A-46 program resolution methodology, the SSRAP developed and SQUG subsequently endorsed an alternate ISRS estimation technique (referred to as Method A within the GIP)which was much more median centered and realistic than the typical design practice.RG&E's'position is that the application of Method A at Ginna was appropriate and technically justified.

The fact that design ISRS may show amplifications greater than 1.5 is not surprising, nor does it negate the validity of Method A.In fact, as noted in the SSRAP report it was even expected."Secondly, most unbroadened computed in-structure spectra have very narrow, highly amplified peaks at the resonant frequency of the structure.

In most cases these narrow, highly amplified peaks are artificially broadened to account for uncertainty in the structure's natural frequency.

This process simply increases the emphasis on these highly amplified peaks.SSRAP is also of the opinion that these narrow peaks will not be as highly amplified in real structures at high ground motion levels as if predicted by linear elastic mathematical models, nor are such narrow peaked in-structure spectra likely to be as damaging to equipment as is a broad frequency input which is represented by 1.5 times the Bounding Spectrum."

As described below, three areas are presented to support the application of Method A at U.S.nuclear plants in general, and at Ginna in specific: A.Measurements of ISRS in Actual Earthquakes B.Calculations of Overall Conservatisms in Typical ISRS C.Description of the Conservatisms in ISRS in General and Ginna ISRS in Particular A.Measurements of ISRS in Actual Earthquakes SSRAP developed the Method A response estimation technique based on their research of both actual earthquake measurements and on recent"median centered" analysis.They reference (SSRAP report page 102)the measured floor response spectra at elevations less than 40 feet above the grade for moderately stiff structures at the Pleasant Valley Pump Station, the Humbolt Bay Nuclear Power Plant, and the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant where amplifications over the ground response spectra do not exceed 1.5 for frequencies above about 6 Hz.Other, more recent earthquake data from the Manzanillo Power Plant and Sicartsa Steel Mill in Mexico, as well as several facilities in California and Japan, has been recently reviewed by SQUG.This data also shows that stiff buildings (similar to typical nuclear structures) amplify very little at elevations less than 40 feet above grade and frequencies over 8 Hz.SQUG knows of no new measured data that challenges GIP Method A.B.Calculations of Overall Conservatism in Typical ISRS Calculated ISRS have never been portrayed as representing the realistic expected response during an actual earthquake.

As previously stated, ISRS typically contain many conservatisms which make them unrealistically high.The primary reason for the development of Method A was to establish a more median centered method of defining the structural response without having to embark on costly new analyses of all the site buildings (It should be noted that even the most modern, state-of-the-art ISRS contain significant conservatisms; even those classified as"median-centered", are often very conservative).

A NRC contractor (LLNL)concluded in a study for the NRC (NUREG/CR-1489)that typical calculated ISRS contain factors of 1.S to 1.8.Recent surveys by SQUG show similar levels of conservatism in calculated ISRS.

It was the contention of SSRAP that the ISRS for nuclear structures (considering the 40'nd 8 Hz conditions) would be within about 1.5 times the ground response spectrum (GRS)if the plant were subjected to an actual earthquake.

In deriving the Method A criteria they recognized that due to the variety of ground motions, soil characteristics and structure characteristics there could be some possibility of exceedances to the 1.5 amplification, but still strongly justified Method A'applicability: "It is SSRAP's firm opinion that the issue of potential amplifications greater than 1.5 above about 8 Hz for high frequency input"is of no consequence for the classes of equipment considered in this document except possibly for relay chatter'."[SSRAP Report, Page 106]The basis SSRAP gave for drawing this conclusion was that high frequency ground motions do not have much damage potential due to~low spectral displacement, low energy content, and short duration.They further noted that the equipment covered does not appear to have a significant sensitivity to high frequencies (except possibly for relay chatter, which is addressed separately in the GIP).C.Description of Conservatisms in ISRS in General and Ginna ZSRS in Particular The most significant sources of conservatism involved in the development of the ISRS for Ginna include the following:

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Location of Input Motion (variation from the free field input location)Ground Response Spectrum Shape Soil-Structure Interaction (Soil Damping, Wave Scattering Effects)Ground Motion Incoherence Frequency (Structure Modeling)Structural Damping Time History Simulation Non-Linear Behavior (e.g., soil property profile variation, concrete cracking)Peak Broadening and Enveloping Clipping of Narrow Peaks'Because of the SSRAP concern related to possibly relay chatter at frequencies above 8 Hz, the SQUG methodology specifically addresses relay which are sensitive to high frequency vibration.

Such relays are included on the Low Ruggedness Relays list in Appendix E of EPRI Report, NP-7148.

~~The degree of conservatism involved in each of these parameters is specific to the building being analyzed, to the floor level being considered, and often, to the equipment location within the specified floor level.These conservatisms typically cannot be accurately quantified using simplistic calculational techniques since each parameter contributes to an overall set of highly non-linear responses.

Thus, it would take a considerable effort to quantify the exact excess conservatisms inherent in the calculated ISRS at Ginna.However, on the qualitative level presented below, it is easy to see the origins and levels of this conservatism.

The following parameters are the source of the major portions of the excess conservatism:

Location of In ut Motion-The defined location of the plant SSE is typically part of the design basis documentation.

The SSE should typically be defined at the ground surface in the free field as defined in the current Standard Review Plan criteria.The defined location of the Ginna SSE is considered the ground surface in the free field.But for purposed of generating ISRS, some plants conservatively defined the input (currently identified as the"control point" location)at another location, such as the embedded depth of a building basemat.This conservatism can be significant depending on the specific plant/building configuration.

The Ginna plant site geology consists of a thin layer of natural or compacted granular soil (30 to 40 feet in depth)immediately above bedrock.The bedrock is a mixture of sandstone and fissile shale with shear wave velocities calculated to be 7000 feet per second or greater.Prior to construction of the plant, the soil over burden (30 to 40 feet of glacial drift)was removed.All Ginna Station Category 1 buildings, except for the control building and diesel generator building, are founded on solid bedrock.The foundations of the control and diesel generator buildings were excavated to the surface of bedrock.Lean concrete or compacted backfill was placed on the rock surface to a depth whereby the elevation of the top of the fill material was coincident with the elevation of the bottom of the concrete foundation of that particular building.Sections 2.5.2.1 (Seismicity) and 2.5.2.2 (Maximum Earthquake Potential) of the Ginna FSAR describe the original investigation which was performed to develop estimates of the maximum expected (OBE)and maximum credible (SSE)earthquakes for the site.It was judged that the maximum credible earthquake would be one of Richter magnitude 6.0 with an epicenter 30 miles from the site or one of magnitude 7.0 at a 90-mile epicentral distance.A procedure developed by Dames&Moore, using the results of research at the Earthquake Institute of Tokyo, was used to estimate ground motion at a given location if the earthquake magnitude, epicentral distance, and elastic properties of foundation soils and rock are known.The FSAR contains the following description of the location of ground motion:

"Using this method and the assumed maximum credible earthquakes discussed above, maximum acceleration on the site was calculated to be 8'.of gravity for soil surface and 7%for bedrock surface.Plant structures, systems, and components designated as Seismic Category 1 are designed to remain within applicable stress limits for the operating-basis earthquake (0.08g)and the safe shutdown earthquake (0.20g)." Based on the above licensing basis descriptions, the design earthquakes (OBE E SSE)were clearly defined at the soil surface.Since the ISRS for Ginna were generated using a conservative model defining the input motion at the foundation level, significant conservatism exists due to the location of input motion.The level of conservatism involved in this assumption is difficult to estimate without performing additional analyses, but past studies have proved it can be considerable.

Ground Res onse S ectrum Sha e-The SSE defined within the plant-licensing basis is the appropriate review level for the A-46 program.Some utilities utilized alternative (conservative) spectral shapes for the earthquake levels utilized for their A-46 resolution (i.e., submitted as part of their 120-day response letters).The amount of conservatism is directly related to the difference between these two spectral shapes at the frequencies of interest for the structures being reviewed.This factor can range from 1.0 to around 2.0 depending on the differences between the spectra.The licensing basis safe shutdown earthquake for Ginna is characterized by a site-specific horizontal ground response spectrum anchored to a PGA of 0.17g.However, ISRS were never generated in the original seismic design of Ginna and this earthquake was not used for the USI A-46 program.A more conservative earthquake anchored to a PGA of 0.2g and with a Reg Guide 1.60 shape (broader band)was used for the generation of ISRS in the A-46 program.The use of this alternate earthquake input is conservative for 3 reasons: The 4: damped spectra were used instead of the S: damped specific for the A-46 program.The conservatism is typically quantified by taking the square root of the damping levels, which would result in a 1.12 (12%)factor of conservatism.

2)The ZPA level of 02.g is 18: higher than the 0.17g site spe'cific SSE level for Ginna.3)The Reg Guide Shape and the site specific shape are both broad banded, but their levels of amplification are different and their differences vary as a function of frequency.

Depending on the building in question and the frequency range of interest, there can be additional conservatisms due to the differences in shape.

Soil Structure Interaction SSI-Typical design analyses do not account properly for the phenomena of SSI, including the deamplification with depth that really occurs for embedded structures and for the radiation damping effects inherent at soil sites.Fixed-base analyses have been performed in typical design analyses, both for structures founded on rock and for structures founded on soil columns.For rock foundations, the fixed-base model has been shown to be slightly conservative depending on the rock/structure characteristics.

For soil founded structures this assumption can vary between conservative and very conservative, depending on the level of sophistication of the modeling of the soil-structure system.The simplified analyses that used the frequency-independent soil springs were typically very conservative in that radiation and/or material damping were either conservatively eliminated or artificially limited during the analysis.Soil properties were also typically not adjusted to reflect anticipated soil strain levels.Significant reductions have been demonstrated over design type analyses using more modern techniques.

These reduction factors are highly dependent on the specific soil conditions and structure configurations, but values of around 2 to 4 have been seen in past studies.The Ginna analyses have ignored any reduction in foundation motion due to embedment effects, wave scattering effects and radiation of energy from the structure into the surrounding media.These effects are less for rock founded structures (Standby Auxiliary Feedwater Buildings and Intermediate Building)than they are for the soil layer founded structures (Control Building and Diesel Building), but they are not negligible.

This assumption is commonly made for rock sites because it greatly simplifies the analysis even though it introduces conservatism.

The Ginna analyses also ignored any constraint that surrounding rock or soil placed against exterior side walls of embedded structures.

Without considering lateral support from the rock or soil against embedded structures, one computes structural responses at grade that are greater than the free field motion.However, the structure at grade could not respond significantly greater than the free-field motion if the embedded portion of the structure is laterally supported by the stiff soil or rock.As was the case for the very first conservatism described (location of input motion), it would require some reanalysis to estimate the degree of conservatism involved in the SSI modeling of Ginna structures.

It is obvious, however, that some non-trivial degree of conservatism exits.Ground Motion Incoherence

-As has been documented in the EPRI seismic margin report (EPRI NP 6041)there can be a deamplification effect on nuclear type structures due to the incoherence of ground motion over the relatively large dimensions of typical nuclear structures.

Conservative reduction factors as a function of frequency and building footprint have been documented within NP 6041 to account for the statistical incoherence of the input wave motion.These conservative values range from a factor of 1.1 to around 1.5.More recent studies have documented even greater reduction factors.This ground motion incoherence is applicable to rock sites like Ginna.Time Histo Simulation

-ISRS at Ginna have been generated using a time history which is intended to approximate the desired earthquake spectrum (0.20g, Reg.Guide 1.60 shape).This process involves the generation of an artificial time history whose response spectra envelops the SSE.The amount of conservatism involved in the enveloping process has not been specifically calculated for Ginna but can range up to a factor of 2 or more unless significant resources are applied to minimize the degree of enveloping.

Cli in of Narro~Peaks-The SSRAP report and the Generic Implementation Procedure (GIP)recommend procedures for adjusting narrow peaks to reflect two areas of conservatism:

Narrow peaks are not as highly amplified in real structures as are predicted by linear elastic mathematical models, and 2.Narrow peaks in ISRS are not as damaging to equipment as are broad frequency input such as the Reference Spectrum.The GIP procedure recommends an averaging technique over a frequency range of 10%of the peak frequency (e.g., 1 Hz range for a 10 Hz peak frequency) using the unbroadened ISRS.The Ginna ISRS have narrow peaks and did not utilize the peak reduction methods from the GIP.The conservatism involved has been shown to be in the range of 5%to 20%for typical narrow peaks at several plants.We expect the conservatism for the peaks of the Ginna ISRS to fall within this range based on a sampling for a couple of peaks showing a 10%effect.There are several additional sources of conservatism (e.g., structural damping, structural modeling, structural/soil non-'inearities, peak broadening and enveloping, etc.)which add to the overall conservatism in the calculation of ISRS.These additional conservatisms, coupled with those described above, certainly reinforce the overall levels of conservatism in ISRS of between 1.5 and 8 which were referenced by SSRAP (LLNL Report NUREG/CR-1489), and explain why the conservative Ginna ISRS produce exceedance beyond the 1.5 factor.2.Not a Si ificant Safet Issue The expected differences between calculated ISRS and actual building response do not represent a significant safety question.The lessons learned from review of hundreds of items of equipment at various sites that have experienced earthquakes which were significantly larger than those for Eastern U.S.nuclear plants are that missing anchorage, seismic interaction hazards, and certain equipment-specific weaknesses (incorporated into the GIP caveats)were the seismic vulnerabilities which cause equipment damage.These areas are conservatively addressed in the GIP.

I~The NRC staff acknowledged the seismic ruggedness of nuclear power plant equipment in the backfit analysis for USI A-46 in which they stated the following:

"...subject to certain exceptions and caveats, the staff has concluded that equipment installed in nuclear power plants is inherently rugged and not susceptible to seismic damage."[NUREG-1211, page 16]Method A is only applicable to stiff equipment with fundamental frequencies over about 8 Hz.As noted earlier in Section 1 of this paper, SSRAP and SQUG have agreed that excitations over 8 Hz have little damage potential due to low spectral displacements, low energy content and short duration.This judgment is supported by industry and NRC guidance for determining whether an operating basis earthquake (OBE)is exceeded following a seismic event at a nuclear power plant.EPRI Report NP-5930 and NRC Regulatory Guide 1.166 recognize that damage potential is significantly reduced for earthquake ground motions above 10 Hz.In other words, the question of what is the precise value of building amplification over 8 Hz has very little safety significance.

3.Ginna Buildin s are ical Nuclear Structures As requested, RGEE is also providing detailed description of the power block.building construction.

The Ginna power block structures are typical nuclear power plant structures which were designed to resist lateral loads with reinforced concrete shear walls or braced structural steel frame systems.A summary description of the buildings and their foundations are contained in the attached Table 1.4.Determination of"Grade Elevation""Grade Elevation" determinations for Ginna Station power block building were described in Section 2.3 of the January 1997 submittal: "Grade Elevation The power block structures at Ginna are built on the side of a hi'll.Grade elevation on the north (lake side)of the power block is 253'.Grade on the south side of the power block is 271'.For the A-46 project, a grade elevation of 253'as used for the structures on the north side of the power block (DG, IB, SH TB), and a grade elevation of 271'as used for the structures on the south side of the power block (AB, AF, CB).The containment (RC)is founded on rock at elevation 235';235'as used as the grade elevation for A-46.It should be noted that CB 289's the highest elevation at which seismic SSEL equipment are located, and that the great majority of seismic SSEL equipment are at elevation 271'r lower.Therefore, for equipment outside containment, whether 253'r 271's used as grade would not impact the"within about 40'f grade" criterion commonly used in the GIP."

It should be noted that CB 289's the highest elevation at which seismic SSEL equipment are located, and that the great majority of seismic SSEL equipment are at elevation 271'r lower.Therefore, for equipment outside containment, whether 253'r 271's used as grade would not impact the"within about 40'f grade" criterion commonly used in the GIP." In addition to previous discussions in Enclosure 2 describing the power block structures and corresponding"grade elevations", a general North-South site cross section is provided.Conclusions The discussion above leads to several conclusions:

Cl All of the Ginna structures are large reinforced concrete shear wall or braced steel frame structures.

They are typical of the structures designed for nuclear plants of.the Ginna vintage and are"typical nuclear structures".

CI The results from actual measured ISRS on"nuclear type" structures support the 1.5 response levels advocated within Method A.0 Qualitative assessments of the conservatism inherent within the methods utilized to calculate ISRS have been provided above.These conservatisms are typically quite significant (as has been independently verified by median/modern assessment such as the LLNL study)and can/will result in ISRS which show amplifications well beyond the 1.5 factor from Method A.RGEE feels strongly that the specific exceedances noted by the NRC (beyond the 1.5 factor)on Ginna are due to these high conservatisms inherent in the ISRS methods and not due to"unusual, plant-specific situations".

Therefore, the application=of Method" A to the structures at Ginna is appropriate and valid.CI There is little safety significance in the expected differences between calculated ISRS and actual building response.The largest safety improvements are provided by appropriately reviewing equipment anchorage, seismic interaction hazards, and certain equipment-specific weaknesses where seismic vulnerabilities have caused equipment damage in real earthquakes.

Reviews of these areas were a primary focus of the SQUG GIP process;therefore RG&E's implementation of the GIP at Ginna resulted in significant seismic safety enhancements.

Table 1 Building DG ZB Detailed Description of Building Construction The diesel enerator buildin (DG)is a one-story reinforced-concrete (Rc)structure that has two cable vaults underneath the floor.The building roof consists of a RC slab supported by four shear walls that sit on concrete spread footings.Zt is a relatively stiff structure typical of most diesel buildings at nuclear plants.The intermediate buildin (ZB)is located on the north and west sides of the containment building, and is founded on rock.The west end has a retaining wall where the floor at elevation 253 ft 6 in.is supported.

The bottom of the retaining wall footing is at elevation 233 ft 6 in.Rock elevation in this area is at approximate elevation 239 ft 0 in.Foundations for interior columns are on individual column footings and embedded a minimum of 2 ft in solid rock.SH TB CB The screen house-service water (SH)building is comprised of two superstructures, one for the service water (SW)system and one for the circulating water system (the screen house portion).The service water (SW)portion of the building (both below and above grade)is a Seismic Category I structure.

The service water (SW)portion houses four Seismic Category I service water (SW)pumps and Seismic Category Z electric switchgear.

The screenhouse portion houses the traveling water screens and circulating water pumps.The entire screen house-service water (SH)building is founded in or on bedrock with the exception of the basement of the electric switchgear portion which is founded approximately 4 ft above bedrock.Since the building is founded in bedrock the basement will not realize any spectral acceleration and the seismic loading is equivalent to the ground motion of 0.08g and 0.20g.The building is constructed of RC below grade and has a structural steel superstructure.

The turbine buildin (TB)is a 257.5-ft by 124.5-ft rectangular building on the north side of the power block.Zt has a concrete basement at elevation 253.5 ft, two concrete floors (a mezzanine floor at elevation 271 ft and an operating floor at elevation 289.5 ft).The building is a heavily braced steel structure.

The auxilia buildin (M))is a three-story rectangular structure, 70 ft 9 in.by 214 ft 5 in.It is located south of the containment and intermediate buildings and adjacent to the service building.The structure has a concrete basement floor that rests on a sandstone foundation at elevation 235 ft 8 in., and two concrete floors--an intermediate floor at elevation 253 ft and an operating floor at elevation 271 ft.Construction below grade is (RC)with a structural steel su erstructure.

The standb auxilia feedwater buildin (AF)is a reinforced-concrete seismic category I structure with reinforced-concrete walls, roof, and base mat.The building is supported by 12 caissons which are socketed into competent rock.The control buildin (CB)is located ad)acent to the south side of the turbine building and is a 41-ft 11-3/4 in.by 54-ft 1-3/4 in three-story structure with concrete foundation mat at elevation 253 ft.The foundation of the control building is supported on lean concrete or compacted backfill.The rock elevation in this area is at approximate elevation 240 ft.0 in.The foundation of the control building was excavated to the surface of the bedrock.The fill material was placed on the rock surface to a depth coincident with the control building foundation.

The bottom elevation of the deepest portion of the foundation mat is at elevation 245 ft 4 in., with a structural slab supported at elevation 250 ft 6 in.with a thickened slab for column footings.The building consists of both RC and structural steel.RC The containment buildin (RC)is a vertical right cylinder with a flat base and a hemispherical dome.The building is 99 ft.high to the spring line of the dome and has an inside diameter of 105 ft.The cylindrical concrete wall, which is prestressed vertically and reinforced circumferentially with mild steel deformed bars, is 3.5-ft.thick.The concrete dome is a reinforced concrete shell 2.5-ft.thick.The concrete base slab is 2 ft thick with an additional thickness of concrete fill of 2 ft over the bottom liner plate.The containment cylinder is founded on rock (sandstone) by means of post-tensioned rock anchors which ensure that the rock then acts as an integral part of the containment structure.

  • Building descriptions are from FSAR and UFSAR.

4 Screen house Diesel generator annex Turbine bldg.Intermediate bldg.Service building Reactor containment building I 1 I~Facade Control uildin 1 1~Sl Auxiliary building Aux.bldg, addition ROCHESTER GAS AND ELECTRIC CORPORATION R.E.GINNA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT UPDATED FINAL SAFETY ANALYSIS REPORT Figure 3.7-6 Containment Building and Complex of Interconnected Seismic Category I and Nonseismic Structures, Flan View LOW WATER DATUNI EL.243.0'IGH WATER OATUNI EL.247.0'REAKWALL EL.261'ISCHARGE CANAL EL.231.5'RADE EL.253'LANT GRADE EL.270'RADE EL.270'NVERT OF DEER CREEK EL.250'CREENHOUSE GUARDHOUSE A lD (II 0 A It QO I C Cfl 0 III co n n III 0 I 0 CA e 0 0 C Q Ill Ill O A Z Z Z r Z cn c 0 Z.g~m r Ill tl CI 8 U n O 0 Z ENCLOSURE 3 SECOND RE UEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R.E.GINNA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT uestion¹2 In your response to the staff's RAI Questions¹3 and¹4, for a number of equipment items, the equipment frequencies were stated to have been-judged by SRT to be greater than 8 Hz by inspection.

Provide the basis for the SRT judgement regarding equipment naturaI frequency, especially when the estimated magnitude for natural frequency is relied upon to determine the applicability for the use of GIP-2 Method A.l.You are requested to provide further justification for the frequency estimation, or provide analytical calculations to justify such estimation, for the equipment items identified as FT-4084, FT-4085, PSF01A a B, SAFVPCIP, SAFVPDIP, BVSZ4, DCPDPAB01A&B and DCPDPAB02AaB.

Res onses to uestion¹2 The bases for the SRT judgement was: II a.The guidance provided in the EPRI report,"Guidelines for Estimation or Verification of Equipment Natural Frequency", Research Project 2925-2, Final Report, August 1992.b.The experience of the SRT.The SRT was composed of RGEE staff and staff from an outside consultant, Stevenson 6 Associates,(S&A).

The SaA staff members on the walk downs were Dr.John Stevenson, Mr.Walter Djordjevic, and Mr.Stephen Anagnostis.

Dr.Stevenson has 35 years of experience in the nuclear power industry;Mr.Djordjevic and Mr.Anagnostis each have 15 to 20 years of experience in the industry.In addition, Mr.Djordjevic and Mr.Anagnostis each have extensive experience performing in-situ modal (frequency response)tests of nuclear power plant equipment.

This testing involves dozen of pieces of equipment at more than ten nuclear power stations.The equipment tested includes control cabinets, motor control centers, switchgear and instrument racks.This test data is the basis of EPRI Report NP-7146,"Guidelines for Development of In-Cabinet Amplified Response Spectra for Electrical Benchboards and Panels", and the procedures for calculating in-cabinet spectra described in GIP-2 Section 6.4.2 (Screening Level 3).FT-4084 and FT-4085 Standb AFW Pum Flow Transmitters These flow transmitters are individually mounted to a steel base plate and anchored to a reinforced concrete wall with four (4)3/8" concrete expansion anchors, as shown in picture below.The SRT judged this equipment to have a fundamental frequency greater than 8 Hz based on the small size, small weight, and stiff support.4j~~.\4 Wl'rQ".r j fo 1 The EPRI guidelines do not discuss individually mounted pressure switches, but do discuss steel frame instrument racks housing a number of pressure switches and related equipment.

Section 3.3 of the guidelines state that"Often, braced racks will have frequencies greater than 8 Hz.The walkdown team need only be cautious of very large, heavily weighted, very weakly-braced racks, or very low braced racks".Based on this guidance, it is reasonable to conclude that an individual transmitter, securely mounted to a reinforced concrete wall, will have a fundamental frequency greater than 8 Hz.PSF01A PSF01B Standb AFW Pum s C and D These are 300 HP electric-motor horizontal pumps.Each pump is mounted on an approximately 3'-6" wide by 10'-6" long steel skid.The skid is anchored to a 27" high continuous concrete pedestal with twelve (12)3/4" cast-in-place bolts.The pedestal is well reinforced and doweled into the floor slab.There are no vibration isolators.

Section 2.2 of the EPRI guidelines states: "Further, the following classes of mechanical equipment are considered to be sufficiently rugged that the walkdown team may assume, without further justification, that their natural frequencies are above 8 Hz: Pumps Engine and Motor Generators Air Compressors Fans and Air Handlers Chi l,l ers Testing on shake tables and in the field has shown that equipment in these classes have natural frequencies greater than 8 Hz given that they have direct anchorage to the floor and that appendages such as very flexible control panels are not present.One possible exception is that deep well pumps may have unsupported cantilever columns and suction bowls with natural frequency below 8 Hz (Note that this addressed by a separate SQUG caveat).SAFWPCIP SAFWPDIP Standb AFW Pum Instrument Panels These are wall mounted instrument panels.Each panel is 30" wide x 54" high x 32" deep and is welded to continuous angles running along the top and bottom of the panel.The angles are secured to a reinforced concrete wall with 5/8" concrete expansion anchors (Both top angles and one of the bottom angles are secured with three anchors;the other bottom angle is secured with two anchors.)The EPRI guidelines indicate that the presence of well-engineered top bracing on electrical equipment is sufficient to support the judgement that the equipment has a fundamental frequency above 8 Hz.The SRT experience is that typical (30" wide x 30" deep x 90" tall), properly anchored, floor mounted instrument cabinets have a fundamental frequency in the range of 10 Hz-15 Hz.Smaller, wall mounted cabinets of similar construction (such as the subject panel)have at least as high a fundamental frequency.

BUS14 480V Switch ear This is a Westinghouse Type DB low voltage switchgear, 160" wide x 58" deep x 76" high.The switchgear is anchored with ten (10)3/4" Hilti Kwik bolts.Section 3.7 of the EPRI guidelines states: "As long as a lineup has six sections or more, the natural frequency of swi tchgear units may be assumed to be above 8 Hz".S&A has tested a similar Westinghouse low voltage switchgear at the Connecticut Yankee nuclear station.That unit (designated BUS4 at CY)is 408" wide x 54" deep x 90" high.A fundamental frequency of 9.0 Hz was measured.

DCPDPAB01A and B DCPDPAB02A and B Aux Buildin DC Power Distribution Panels These are wall mounted panelboards (power distribution panels).Each panel board is 30" wide x 40" wide x 12" deep, and well anchored, near the top and bottom, to a reinforced concrete wall or a reinforced concrete column.Section 2.3 of the EPRI guidelines states that panelboards (wall-mounted distribution panels), if anchored to a substantial floor or wall, will have a fundamental frequency of at least 12 Hz.uestion 3 In your response to the staff's RAI, Question¹4, you indicated that the seismic capacity vs.demand evaluation for the Undervoltage Relay Cabinet Bus 24 QRAZRC24)was based on shake-table testing.You are requested to provide a detailed discussion of the testing and to justify the adequacy of such testing.Res onse to uestion¹3

References:

American Environments Company, Inc., Report No.STR-142280-1, 11/4/80 (RG&E Project EWR-1444)American Environments Company, Inc., Report No.STR-142280-2, 12/31/80 (RG&E Project EWR-1444)American Environments Company, Inc., Report No.STR-142280-3, 1/5/81 (RG&E Project EWR-1444)There are eight (8)relay/control cabinets of this make on the SSEL.Their equipment designations and locations are listed below: ARA1CC14 ARA1RC14 ARA2CC18 ARA2RC18 ARB1CC16 ARB1RC16 ARB2CC17 ARB2RC17 Control Building 271.00 Aux Building 271.00 Screenhouse 253.00 Screenhouse 253.00 Control Building 271.00 Aux Building 253.00 Screenhouse 253.00 Screenhouse 253.00 The four cabinets outside the screenhouse are each stand-alone and 24" wide x 24" deep x 70" high.The four cabinets in the screenhouse consist of two pairs of attached cabinets;each pair is 48" wide x 24" deep x 70" high.Each 24" x 24" x 72" cabinet is anchored to a reinforced concrete floor with four (4)Hilti Kwik-Bolts.

The cabinets were shake-table tested as documented in References 1 through 3.The shake-table tests were random, multi-frequency, and biaxial (one horizontal and the vertical direction);

the tests were repeated with the specimen rotated 90 degrees about the vertical axis.The"RRS vs.FRS" plot below shows the tests'RS (Required Response Spectra)compared to the envelope of the FRS (Floor Response Spectra)for all locations listed above.The RRS envelopes the FRS,'ut note that the RRS is 3%damped, while the FRS is 4%damped.However, the RRS is well above the FRS in the peak range, and the actual test response spectra exceeded the RRS by a substantial amount, particularly for frequencies above the peak range.Section 5.0 of the test reports state:

"The test specimen continued to function before, during and after exposure to the Seismic Qualification Test Program.There was no evidence of physical damage, or reported electrical malfunction observed.as a result of the stresses of this test program." 10-Required Response Spectrum, 3o/o damping Envelope of Floor Response Spectra, 4'4 damping p'L~lp r r I r J r r r~l'0.1 10 100 Frequency (Hz)uestion 44 For the 48D VAC Motor Control Center (MCC)-, you indicated that the MCC can withstand a single frequency test consisting of a 1.35g, 5 beat, 5 cycle/beat input, performed at the signficant structural frequencies.

It is known that single-axis, single frequency sine beat tests'ostly performed prior to the issuance of IEEE Standard 344-1975, are considered inadequate for equipment seismic qualification due to their inability to excite multi-axis, multi-frequency responses of equipment (the very reason that plants are included in the USI A-46 program).You are requested to justify the seismic adequacy of this motor control center.Res onse to uestion 4

Reference:

Letter from G.R.Geertman (Gilbert/Commonwealth) to C.J.Mambretti (RG&E)dated Au<fust 11, 1976.The subject MCC (equipment designation MCCL)is a 4 section Westinghouse MCC, 66" wide x 19" deep x 90" high.It is anchored with eight (8)1/2" concrete expansion anchors.The MCC is located on elevation 271'f the Auxiliary Building.

10 The following plot contains several response spectra to illustrate the discussion that follows.I~I~---r---r--r I J~I~~I I~J I~I I I I J Q t I~QI-AB 271 A46 Floor Response Spectrum(EW/NS Envelope, A damping)-Rersponse spectrum tor 5 cycrbeat wylae Lab Test{4%damping)---Response spectrum used by westinghouse tor Analysis (ass damping)S I I I S~I I I I~I c I I I~I I I I I I I r 1 I 1 r'I I 1 I I I,I~I I I I I T 1 T I, I I I~~I I I I I I I~~I I I I I 0.1 1~~I~I I I I J J J I I I I I I~I I I I 1~I I I I~I~I I I I I r I~I I I I I I I 10 I I 1 T T~I I I T I I I I~I I I~~I~I I~I I~I~I I I I S I I I S I I I I I I I I I~I I I I I~I~Frequency (Hs)The reference contains a summary report from Westinghouse documenting the MCC's seismi'c qualification.

The MCC was originally tested in 1972 at Wyle Labs following the requirements of TEEE 344-1971.The test.used a single frequency, 5 cycle/beat sine beat input dwelled at the significant structural frequencies of the MCC (by test, the fundamental frequency was found to be 8.5 Hz).The motion was simultaneously applied in the-horizontal direction at 1.35g and in the vertical direction at 0.95g.The corresponding response spectrum is shown in the above figure as the thinner solid line.Subsequently, Westinghouse performed a multi-frequency, multi-directional dynamic analysis using the response spectrum shown in the above figure as a dashed line.Westinghouse termed this response spectrum the nGinna Station SSE Required Response Spectrum".

The analysis showed that the in-structure accelerations induced by this response spectrum were about.1/2 those induced by the test.Based on this, Westinghouse concluded that the MCC was seismically qualified.

The basis of Westinghouse's analysis spectrum (the dashed line)is not known.For comparison, the A-46 floor response spectrum for Aux Building 271'the location of the MCC)is shown in the above figure as the thicker solid line.The A-46 spectrum is substantially below both the Westinghouse analysis spectrum and the Wyle test spectrqm).particularly in the fundamental frequency range at 8.5 Hz.The ZPA of the A-46 spectrum is 0.3g, or less than 1/4 of the test input level.While the original sine beat test was not as sophisticated as current-day multi-frequency, multi-axis tests, the SRT concluded that the high acceleration levels used in the test were more than adequate compensation.

Note that the test data documented a fundamental frequency greater than 8 Hz and that Aux Building 271's within 40'f effective grade, therefore the MCC meets the screening requirements for GIP Method A.The SRT chose to base its acceptance on the test report, rather than Method A, because it found that the test report to be a more compelling argument.