ASCE seeks comments on seismic standard

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is seeking public comments pertaining to a design standard for nuclear facilities.

ASCE’s second public comment period on the update to ASCE/SEI 43-XX Seismic Design Criteria for Structures, Systems, and Components in Nuclear Facilities will be held from August 7, 2020 to September 21, 2020. Changes to the standard were made by a committee after the first public comment period.

The goal of this standard is to ensure that nuclear facilities are properly designed to withstand the effects of earthquake ground shaking while retaining functionality, expressed as target performance goals. This standard is intended for use in the design of new facilities and should be used in conjunction with other national consensus standards specified.

The standard can also be used for assessment of existing facilities. It can be used for facilities handling explosives, toxic materials, or chemicals—for facilities where safety, mission, or investment protection is an explicit design goal.