Ultimate capacity analysis of 1/4 PCCV model subjected to internal pressure

As presented in the papers of the SMiRT-14, (Dameron et al., 1997; Hessheimer et al., 1997), ultimate capacity pressure tests on a 1/4 scale prestressed concrete containment vessel (PCCV) model were performed in year 2000. First of all, the authors conducted an approximate preliminary analytical investigation to predict its non-linear behavior up to ultimate capacity and to roughly estimate its potential failure mode. The target of this paper is not only to predict the non-linear behavior of the 1/4 PCCV model, but also to establish a reliable method for evaluating actual PCCVs subjected to internal pressure. This paper describes modeling methods and results of two global analyses: (1) modification of friction effects between concrete and unbonded tendons, which play an important role in determining force distributions and relative slip amount of tendons, especially curved ones; (2) results of two global analyses of a 3D-shell 360° model and an axisymmetric model. Feasibility of the analysis method proposed for the actual PCCVs is discussed here.