6 Perspective on Cyclic, Impact, and Impulse Loads

In past editions of the handbook, this chapter has primarily addressed issues as they pertained to Section III of the ASME B&PV Code. In particular, it has addressed issues concerning the seismic response of nuclear facilities. Currently, many other facilities covered by the ASME B&PV Code have had to address these same issues, often with little guidance from the appropriate Code section. Modern LNG terminals, for example, have had to undergo extensive seismic reviews. These facilities contain equipment covered by Section VIII and B31.3 of the Code. Neither of these Code section give any guidance to the designer concerning seismic analysis, other than to require that seismic loads be addressed. In this revision of the chapter, some of these issues will be addressed. In addition, a new section discussing the use of computer software for analysis has been included. This section will address some of the issues associated with different computer codes used for different parts of a plant.