MULTI-CRITERIA ANALYSIS INVESTIGATION FOR SEISMIC MODIFICATIONS IN NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

All US Nuclear Plants are designed to withstand the seismic activity that could occur at their respective sites without creating a nuclear emergency. Meaning any seismic activity less than this design basis would not cause any significant impact. However, what if a feral greater than design basis earthquake were to occur at Surry Power Station similar to what occurred at the Japanese Fukushima power stations? In light of the damage done to these plants do we want to perform extensive, expensive and effectual modifications (i.e., Major Mods) for an event that may never occur? Perhaps we should chose the option of less extensive, expensive and effectual modifications (i.e., Minor Mods) or do nothing (i.e., No Mods). The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology to assist in that decision.