Research on Against Progressive Collapse Mechanism of Conventional Island Main Plant Based on Alternate Path Method.

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Title:	Research on Against Progressive Collapse Mechanism of Conventional Island Main Plant Based on Alternate Path Method.
Authors:	Qi, Pengfei¹ q291990@163.com, Zhao, Wenhao² zzzwh429@163.com, Pei, Qiang³ peiqiang@dlu.edu.cn, Yu, Ruifang¹ yrfang126@126.com, Wu, Cong² wucong950707@163.com
Source:	Engineering Letters. May2026, Vol. 34 Issue 5, p2042-2053. 12p.
Subjects:	Progressive collapse, Nuclear power plants, Girders, Earthquake resistant design, Finite element method, Structural analysis (Engineering), Material plasticity
Abstract:	The primary structure of a conventional nuclear power plant, classified as a Class III key item, has a complex and irregular layout. This design is prone to progressive collapse in the event of accidents, such as exceeding design limits, which could lead to substantial losses. This article establishes a structural model using SAP2000 finite element software, identifies four types of key column components through the Alternate Path Method, and conducts nonlinear analysis under various analysis cases. A detailed investigation was conducted into the mechanisms against progressive collapse, the redistribution of internal forces, and the development laws of plastic hinges within the remaining structure after the removal of failed columns. The findings revealed that only the beam mechanism was activated when the corner column failed. In contrast, when the center or internal column failed, the beam mechanism was followed by the sequential activation of the catenary mechanism. Throughout the structural progressive collapse process, key internal forces, such as bending moments, are primarily transmitted through the beam components above the failed column, and the development of plastic hinges is highly consistent with the deformation coordination criterion. This study offers essential theoretical support and a quantitative evaluation foundation for the seismic design optimization of conventional island main plants in nuclear power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Engineering Source

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Abstract:	The primary structure of a conventional nuclear power plant, classified as a Class III key item, has a complex and irregular layout. This design is prone to progressive collapse in the event of accidents, such as exceeding design limits, which could lead to substantial losses. This article establishes a structural model using SAP2000 finite element software, identifies four types of key column components through the Alternate Path Method, and conducts nonlinear analysis under various analysis cases. A detailed investigation was conducted into the mechanisms against progressive collapse, the redistribution of internal forces, and the development laws of plastic hinges within the remaining structure after the removal of failed columns. The findings revealed that only the beam mechanism was activated when the corner column failed. In contrast, when the center or internal column failed, the beam mechanism was followed by the sequential activation of the catenary mechanism. Throughout the structural progressive collapse process, key internal forces, such as bending moments, are primarily transmitted through the beam components above the failed column, and the development of plastic hinges is highly consistent with the deformation coordination criterion. This study offers essential theoretical support and a quantitative evaluation foundation for the seismic design optimization of conventional island main plants in nuclear power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	1816093X