Comparison between continuous and localized methods to evaluate the flow rate through containment concrete structures

Ludovic Jason (1, 2) , Benoit Masson (3)

1 IMSIA - UMR 9219 - Institut des Sciences de la mécanique et Applications industrielles
2 LM2S - Laboratoire de Mécanique Systèmes et Simulation
3 EDF R&D - EDF R&D

In this contribution, different techniques are compared to evaluate the gas flow rate through a representative section of a reinforced and prestressed concrete containment structure. A continuous approach is first applied which is based on the evaluation of the gas permeability as a function of the damage variable. The calculations show that the flow rate becomes significant only when the damage variable crosses the section. But in this situation, the continuous approach is no longer fully valid. That is why localized approaches, based on a fine description of the crack openings, are then investigated. A comparison between classical simplified laws (Poiseuille flow) and a more refined model which takes into account the evolution of the crack opening in the depth of the section enables to define the validity domain of the simplified laws and especially the definition of the associated “reference opening”.

Mots clés: gas flow; permeability; crack; reinforced concrete

Domaines: Mécanique des structures [physics.class-ph]

Ludovic Jason, Benoit Masson. Comparison between continuous and localized methods to evaluate the flow rate through containment concrete structures. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 2014, 277, pp.146-153. ⟨10.1016/j.nucengdes.2014.06.010⟩. ⟨hal-01221726⟩