ML20198G072

Submits Summary & Assessment Re Testing of Cohesionless Soils for Max Density by ASTM D-2049-69,per 760116 Request

ML20198G072
Person / Time
Site:	Washington Public Power Supply System
Issue date:	10/26/1975
From:	Seyfrit K NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE)
To:	Spencer G NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION V)
References
CON-WNP-1105 NUDOCS 8605290225
Download: ML20198G072 (2)

Text

- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _

.' * [' /

-s _

UAN 2 g y

! ~

I

{ .-

h' L

G. S. Spencer, Chief, Reactor Construction and Engineering Support Branch, IE:V i

TESTING OF COHESIONLESS SOILS FOR MAXIMUM DENSITY BY ASTM D-2049-69 AT WASHINGTON NUCLEAR PLANT 1 AND 4 (AITS F50151H1)

This is in reply to your letter dated January 16, 1976 which requested any comments or suggestions relative to the information enclosed with that letter.

I Ve have reviewed the material enclosed with the letter which included the following: a note to T. Cox, LWR-1, frosa WPPSS outlining the test procedures; a record of phone conversation of 1/13/76 between A.Bosler of WPPSS and T. Cox; a record 6f phone conversation of 1/10/76 between D. Bamberger, T. Houchina, M. Strand and C. Or;;an of WPPSS and W. Albert.

IE V; and the minutes of an internal WPPSS meeting of 1/10/76. In addi-tion a meeting was held (1/23/76) between R. Shewmaker, IE:UQ; T. Cox, LWR-1 and L. Heller and D. Gallen both from Site Technology of NRR.

Our sunnary and assessment of the situation are outlined below. This information may be provided to the licensee during the next inspection.

1. Region Y should review this item under the guidance provided in IE Procedure No. '351005 (3/31/75), specifically in Section III, i Itsa 7 entitled " corrective Action." This describes the require-ments for determining whether the actions of the licensee have been proper with regard to conformance with 10 CPR 50.55(e).

Prost the information available in your transmittal it appears that the licensee has proceeded in an orderly manner an is in

! compliance with the-regulations. Their activities from 12/8/75 when a " BOLD" was placed on all Class A backfill activities until 1/12/76 when the " BOLD" was released was spent conducting their

- evaluation of the problem. Their decision that the item was not i

reportable as a deficiency under 10 CFR 50.55(e) appears to be based on their study effort and also appears to be correct.

Notification to the Region was, however, made on this item, ;J

. apparently to keep the NRC fully informed. It would appear [3' that in this case the licensee should, be given recognition of -

proper performance and a high degree of openness in responding to this metter if the region determines the current understanding by HQ to be sustained upon any further inspection.

8605290225 751026 PDR A

ADOCK 05000460 PDR

~'

i l JN: 2 a *L 5 G. S. Spencer -

2-i l

2. In consultation with NRR we are recommending that as a minf== three data points be used to establish the l relationship between density and vibration amplitude for i

sach gradation. This clarifies the suggested plan contained I in the 1/12/76 minutes of the internal WPPSS meeting of 1/10/76.

The part pertinent to this issue is quoted below with underscore.

i "Obtain a production test machine with a minf== variable range from .007 inches to .015 inches (m-p). Take sieve samples and determine the density-amplitude curves for each gradation.

Determine the setting for the mav1== density and run the production tests at this amplitude. The density-amplitude curve would be rechecked every two weeks. If any samples fell outside the gradation range, a special density-amplitude curve would be run. For past tests, run at 0.0044 inches, we would correlate with new samples."

3. The frequency of sieve sample tests for material taken from the stockpiles which is being used for Eackfill is daily. This is defined on page 2P-34, Section 7.4.3.2 of the PSAR. In order to assure that the correct density-emplitude curve is being uti-lized sieve sample testing should be performed on material removed at the location of sampling for in-place field samples. Sampling l

' is performed on a frequency of once per 750 cu. yds.for Type A areas and once per 1500 cu.yde. for Type B areas. This is described on page 2P-36, Section 7.4.3'.6 of the PSAR.

l

4. Material being placed and controlled by utilizing the correlation concept will be placed at the licensee's risk until the correlation

! studies are completed and approved by NRC as . supporting the original design and construction concept for the soil foundation materials.

l

5. There has been some informal indication by the licensee that a

written report on this item will be available in the future.

I -

Orldna] ,Igned by 7 l K.V. Seyfrit I

Karl V. Seyfrit, Chief Reactor Technical Assistance Branch, IE

cc: G. W. Roy, IE T. Cox, NRR RID:515/F50151H1 on.ic. IE:RTB IItkB ,,

. . . . . 3EShewmake .sg h KVSeyfrit

• o.,. 1/26/76 1/26/76_ _ .&

Torsa AIC.)l8 (Rev. 9 5 3) AEOi 0:40 # u. s. eovannuant ran= rime orrecs: ist..sse.cee

, - _ _ . --