SITING STUDIES/DEVELOPMENT OF SEISMIC
DESIGN CRITERIA


D’Appolonia performs siting studies for a wide range of power generation facilities and related infrastructure projects. These facilities have included large nuclear and fossil-fuel generation plants, LNG terminals and associated pipelines, gas-fired peaking electric generation stations, and hydropower and low-head hydropower developments. Typically these projects have involved comprehensive exploration of subsurface and environmental conditions based upon exploration programs that included geotechnical borings, piezometers, monitoring wells, and the application of geophysical techniques. Frequently, studies of local and regional geology, determination of design basis flood levels, environmental site assessments, and development of seismic design criteria are included in the scope of work. Based upon the results of these siting studies, the locations of whole facilities and key plant elements have been determined and design criteria for foundations and other structures have been developed. D'Appolonia has performed siting studies at plant sites in various parts of the U.S. and in countries in Europe, Asia and South America.


D'Appolonia performed siting studies for this co-generation plant.



Descriptions of D'Appolonia projects involving power plant siting and development of seismic design criteria are provided in the following:


EXAMPLE PROJECTS


Mine Subsidence Potential Evaluation for Cogeneration Plant Site

The owner/developer of an 85-MW coal-waste-fired electric cogeneration plant wanted to construct the new facility immediately adjacent to the coal-waste source in order to minimize handling costs. Two coal seams beneath the proposed plant site had been recently mined by the longwall method, and there was a potential for continued ground movement at the surface. D'Appolonia selected a location for the generating facility and recommended positions and orientations for facility structures to coincide with areas of minimal potential for movement.


Siting and Geotechnical Studies for Angra Nuclear Power Plant

D’Appolonia analyzed the stability of a failed slope adjacent to a nuclear reactor. The analysis condidered the potential seismic loading. A design was developed to stabilize the slope under the prevailing seismic design bases.


Seismic Stability Analysis of Underwater Slope in Dredged Channel

D’Appolonia analyzed an underwater slope near a naval facility in Charleston, SC. Seismic loadings were developed based upon historical seismicity. The slope was found to be potentially susceptible to displacement from an earthquake, and the predicted displacement distance was incorporated into the facility design.


Site Development Engineering for Power Plant Construction

D’Appolonia performed a geotechnical site exploration program at a proposed power plant site in rural Pennsylvania. Based upon the data obtained, a site grading plan and foundation recommendations were developed for the facility.


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