Determination of stresses in grouted strands of a reactor containment by a destructive test method

In the Nordic countries, the reactor containment is designed as a cylindrical concrete structure prestressed by horizontal and vertical tendons that can be bonded or unbonded. The stress of the tendons is an important security function for the containment in case of accident.

The aim of this study is to analyze prestressed bonded tendons obtained through the decommissioning of Barsebäck nuclear power plant, to better understand the factors that influence their performance. The results show that it is possible to estimate the stress in bonded tendons through instrumentation and cutting of cables. Furthermore, the article shows that Barsebäck's tendons have lost remarkably little of their stress.