In this work the structural reliability of the circumferentially cracked core support mount of Monju Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is analyzed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The 3D shell model employed was derived after detailed evaluation of the core support mount behavior with a specific 3D solid model. First, elastoplastic static analysis results show that, under nominal operating conditions, the overall structure would be able to survive a total loss of the core support mount. Second, using the double elastic slope method it was inferred that earthquake loading integrity could be warranted up to a crack representing more than 50% of the total circumference. Both results highlight the ample primary loading margins taken in the design of Monju’s reactor core support structures. Furthermore, the developed 3D shell FEA model will be applied to study other extreme cases such as those under severe accident conditions.

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