3D FEM Soil-Structure Interaction Analysis for Kashiwazaki–Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant Considering Soil Separation and Sliding

In the 2007 Niigataken Chuetsu-oki earthquake, soil settlement, considered to be a result of relative displacement between and structure, occurred alongside buildings at Kashiwazaki–Kariwa nuclear power plant. The objective this study is evaluate accurately influence nonlinear behavior soil-structure interface on response reactor building using three-dimensional finite element model. To achieve this, we modeled separation sliding from sidewalls during severe earthquake joint elements, evaluated effect horizontal structure. Through interaction analyses based recorded seismic data foundation for unit 7 model, it was confirmed that simulated responses corresponded data. addition, comparison cases with without revealed reduces embedment effects structure reduction causes an occurrence uplift. Moreover, in study, clarified increase uplift affected both pressure characteristics beneath along sidewalls, maximum acceleration structures. had only limited structural responses; however, under excitation, expected will significantly reduced due soil. Therefore, precise evaluation including should excitation.