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SECTION I : SUBSECTION G
Design and Construction Rules for Mechanical
Components of PWR Nuclear Islands
Z I SUBSECTIONS A - GENERAL RULES

REACTOR INTERNALS
Z - TECHNICAL ANNEXES

2012 Edition afcen

RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

SECTION I

SUBSECTION "G"

REACTOR INTERNALS

Pages

G 1000 GENERAL....................................................................................................................... G1000/1

G 1100 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. /1

G 1110 APPLICATION OF SUBSECTION G................................................................................. /1

G 1111 Definition of reactor vessel internals

G 1112 Classification of components
G 1113 Jurisdictional boundaries

G 1120 ORGANIZATION OF SUBSECTION G ............................................................................. /2

G 1200 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS......................................................................................... /2

G 1210 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO REACTOR INTERNALS ............................................... /2

G 1211 Documents attached to the purchase order for reactor internals

G 1212 Preliminary design and manufacturing documents for
reactor internals
G 1213 Documents prepared and updated during fabrication
G 1214 Post-manufacturing documents

G 1220 DOCUMENTS FOR COMPONENT PARTS OF REACTOR

INTERNALS........................................................................................................................... /3

G 1221 Procurement documents

G 1222 Manufacturing documents
G 1223 Inspection documents
G 1224 Non-conformance or deviation reports (A 3700)

G 1300 IDENTIFICATION............................................................................................................ /4

G 1310 PURPOSE OF EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM............................................. /4

G 1320 ADAPTATION OF IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM TO PRODUCTION

CONTROL METHODS ......................................................................................................... /4

G 1330 IDENTIFICATION METHODS............................................................................................. /4

G 1340 TYPE OF IDENTIFICATION DATA.................................................................................... /5

 n° 137-2012 G / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 1350 RE-MARKING AND RELABELLING................................................................................. /5

G 1360 MARKING METHODS.......................................................................................................... /5

G 1370 REFERENCING OF WELDS .............................................................................................. /5

G 1371 Welds on large fabricated components

G 1372 Welds on other structures

G 2000 MATERIALS ................................................................................................................. G2000/1

G 2100 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................... /1

G 2200 APPLICATION OF SECTION II ............................................................................... /1

G 2300 SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INTERGRANULAR CORROSION ......................... /1

G 2310 RULES FOR CLASSIFYING MATERIALS ACCORDING TO

SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INTERGRANULAR CORROSION ............................................. /1

G 2320 REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................. /2

G 2321 Selection of steel grades

G 2322 Detecting susceptibility to intergranular corrosion

G 2400 COBALT CONTENT OF STAINLESS STEELS USED FOR

REACTOR INTERNALS AND OF NICKEL-CHROMIUM-IRON
ALLOYS .............................................................................................................................. /3

G 3000 DESIGN ............................................................................................................................ G3000/1

G 3010 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTABILITY................................................... /1

G 3100 GENERAL DESIGN RULES ..................................................................................... /1

G 3110 PURPOSE .............................................................................................................................. /1

G 3120 CONDITIONS......................................................................................................................... /1

G 3121 Design condition

G 3122 Normal conditions
G 3123 Upset conditions
G 3124 Emergency conditions
G 3125 Faulted conditions

G 3130 LOADING CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................................... /2

G 3131 Loads
G 3132 Design condition loads

G 3140 LEVELS OF CRITERIA........................................................................................................ /4

G / 2  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 3150 MINIMUM CRITERIA LEVELS APPLICABLE UNDER THE VARIOUS

LOADING CONDITIONS ..................................................................................................... /4

G 3151 Design condition

G 3152 Normal operating conditions
G 3153 Upset conditions
G 3154 Emergency conditions
G 3155 Faulted conditions

G 3160 STRESS REPORT ................................................................................................................ /4

G 3170 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................................... /5

G 3171 Corrosion
G 3172 Cladding
G 3173 Welds connecting dissimilar metals
G 3174 Environmental effects

G 3200 RULES FOR ANALYZING CORE SUPPORT STRUCTURE

BEHAVIOUR ..................................................................................................................... /5

G 3210 ORGANIZATION OF ANALYSIS ....................................................................................... /5

G 3211 Purpose of analysis

G 3212 Requirements for acceptability
G 3213 Methods of analysis
G 3214 Zones of calculation
G 3215 Combinations of methods

G 3220 ANALYSIS-RELATED TERMS .......................................................................................... /7

G 3221 Discontinuities
G 3222 Stresses
G 3223 Definitions relative to the verification of level A and B criteria

G 3230 ELASTIC ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................... /11

G 3231 Definitions relating to stresses

G 3232 Stress analysis
G 3233 Level O criteria for core support structures other than
threaded structural fasteners
G 3234 Level A criteria for core support structures other than
threaded structural fasteners
G 3235 Level B criteria for core support structures other than
threaded structural fasteners
G 3236 Level C criteria for core support structures other than
threaded structural fasteners
G 3237 Level D criteria for core support structures other than
threaded structural fasteners
G 3238 Special stress limits for core support structures other than
threaded structural fasteners

 n° 137-2012 G / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 3240 APPLICATION OF OTHER METHODS OF ANALYSIS ................................................ /29

G 3241 Definitions
G 3242 Limit analysis
G 3243 Elastoplastic analysis
G 3244 Stress ratio method
G 3245 Experimental analysis

G 3250 CRITERIA FOR THREADED STRUCTURAL FASTENERS......................................... /32

G 3251 General
G 3252 Level O criteria for threaded structural fasteners
G 3253 Level A and B criteria for threaded structural fasteners
G 3254 Level C criteria for threaded structural fasteners
G 3255 Level D criteria for threaded structural fasteners

G 3300 CORE SUPPORT STRUCTURE DESIGN ......................................................... /40

G 3310 DESIGN FOR WELDED CONSTRUCTIONS................................................................... /40

G 3320 JOINT CATEGORIES .......................................................................................................... /40

G 3321 Joints of category A

G 3322 Joints of category B
G 3323 Joints of category C
G 3324 Joints of category D
G 3325 Joints of category E

G 3330 PERMISSIBLE TYPES OF WELDED JOINTS ................................................................ /40

G 3331 Type I joints

G 3332 Type II joints
G 3333 Type III joints
G 3334 Type IV joints
G 3335 Type V joints
G 3336 Type VI joints
G 3337 Type VII joints

G 4000 FABRICATION AND ASSOCIATED EXAMINATION................ G4000/1

G 4100 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................... /1

G 4200 PRELIMINARY DOCUMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS

FOR FABRICATION AND EXAMINATION ....................................................... /1

G 4210 DOCUMENTS........................................................................................................................ /1

G 4220 PROCUREMENT OF PARTS AND PRODUCTS ............................................................ /1

G 4221 Manufacturer's verification of acceptance reports and identification

(in preparation)
G 4222 Storage (in preparation)

G / 4  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 4230 ACCEPTANCE AND QUALIFICATION ............................................................................ /2

G 4231 Welding
G 4232 Forming - Surface treatments
G 4233 Non-destructive examination

G 4240 WORK AREAS ...................................................................................................................... /2

G 4300 FABRICATION OPERATIONS ................................................................................ /2

G 4310 GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. /2

G 4320 MARKING............................................................................................................................... /2

G 4330 CUTTING - REPAIR WITHOUT WELDING...................................................................... /2

G 4340 FORMING AND ALIGNMENT ............................................................................................ /3

G 4350 SURFACE TREATMENTS .................................................................................................. /3

G 4360 CLEANLINESS...................................................................................................................... /3

G 4370 HEAT TREATMENTS........................................................................................................... /3

G 4400 WELDING AND ASSOCIATED TECHNIQUES............................................... /3

G 4410 GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. /3

G 4420 STORAGE AND USE OF WELDING PRODUCTS ......................................................... /3

G 4430 PREPARATION AND EXAMINATION OF EDGES

AND SURFACES TO BE WELDED .................................................................................. /3

G 4440 WELDING OF PRODUCTION WELDS............................................................................. /4

G 4450 REPAIR BY WELDING ........................................................................................................ /4

G 4460 NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION OF PRODUCTION WELDS............................. /4

G 4461 Visual examination and dimensional check

G 4462 Other non-destructive examinations

G 4470 DESTRUCTIVE TESTS - PRODUCTION WELD TEST COUPONS ............................ /5

G 4480 HARDFACING BY WELD DEPOSITION OF COBALT-BASE ALLOYS .................... /5

G 5000 EXAMINATION METHODS

NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATIONS ................................................ G5000/1

G 5100 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................... /1

 n° 137-2012 G / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 5200 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF WELDS ............................................... /1

G 5210 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF WELDS ON THICK-WALLED

TUBES USED AS SPACERS OR EXTENSION PIECES
WHOSE DIAMETER IS LESS THAN 100 mm ................................................................ /1

G 5211 Front filtering

G 5212 Position of the radiation source
G 5213 Interpretation of results
G 5214 Centred source of iridium 192

G 5220 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF WELDS ON REACTOR

PRESSURE VESSEL INTERNAL STRUCTURES ......................................................... /2

G 5300 LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION OF WELDS ...................................... /2

G 5310 HOT LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION BETWEEN PASSES .............................. /2

G / 6  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 1000

GENERAL

G 1100 INTRODUCTION

G 1110 APPLICATION OF SUBSECTION G

G 1111 DEFINITION OF REACTOR VESSEL INTERNALS
Reactor vessel internals comprise all mechanical structure items located inside the reactor vessel.

The following items are not covered by Subsection G:

- the core: fuel, fertile and dummy fuel assemblies,
- reactivity control items: control rods and drive shafts,
- related core components: closures, poison and source rod assemblies
- in-core instrumentation: non-mechanical parts.

G 1112 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPONENTS

In accordance with A 4310, component parts of reactor internals shall be classified into two
categories: core support structures (CS) and internal structures (IS).
a) Core support structures (CS) are those structures or parts of structures which provide support and
restraint of the fuel assemblies making up the core within the reactor pressure vessel.
Structures designed to support or restrain the core only after the postulated failure of core support
structures are classified as internal structures (IS).

b) All other reactor internal structures shall be classified as internal structures (IS).

c) For the purposes of chapters G 4000 and G 5000 only, welds joining internal structures (IS) to
core support structures (CS) shall be considered to be core support structures (CS).

d) Temporary fasteners which come in contact or are connected to the reactor internals but which
are removed before commissioning are not covered by the present subsection. Temporary
fasteners include, for example, tie plate alignment lugs, braces, supports and hoods for pre-
service instrumentation.

 n° 137-2012 G 1000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 1113 JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES

Internal equipment welded to the reactor vessel wall are considered to be part of the reactor
vessel wall.
Mechanical connections between reactor internals and reactor vessel shall meet the requirements of
the present subsection.

G 1120 ORGANIZATION OF SUBSECTION G

Subchapter G 1200 specifies the documents to be prepared.
Subchapter G 1300 specifies the procedure for identification of component parts and welded joints.
Chapter G 2000 specifies the rules for selection of materials for all core support structures and for
some internal structures.
Chapter G 3000 specifies rules for design.
Chapter G 4000 specifies rules for fabrication and examination.
Chapter G 5000 specifies supplementary requirements for non-destructive examination given in
SECTION III.

G 1200 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Chapter A 3000 defines these documents and describes their content.

Documents required under this subsection shall be kept at the disposal of Surveillance Agents. The
contract shall specify which documents are to be handed over to the relevant parties.

G 1210 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO REACTOR INTERNALS

The following documents shall be prepared for components failing within the scope of subsection G.
Where production conditions so permit, an entire lot of components may be covered by the
same documents.

G 1211 DOCUMENTS ATTACHED TO THE PURCHASE ORDER

FOR REACTOR INTERNALS
Equipment specification (purchase order technical addenda) - A 3100.

G 1212 PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING DOCUMENTS

FOR REACTOR INTERNALS
Comprehensive layout and referencing drawing - A 3201.
Sizing report for core support structures (CS).
Technical equipment manufacturing programme for reactor internals - A 3301.
G 1000 / 2  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 1213 DOCUMENTS PREPARED AND UPDATED

DURING FABRICATION
Comprehensive layout and referencing drawing - A 3201.
Stress report for core support structure (CS).
Welding data package - A 3501.
The welding data package shall be established for core support structures (CS) and shall be updated
to take into account modifications in welding procedures.
Non-conformance or deviation reports - A 3700.
Follow-up documents - A 3801.

G 1214 POST-MANUFACTURING DOCUMENTS

End-of-manufacturing report - A 3805.
Certificate of compliance - A 3804.

G 1220 DOCUMENTS FOR COMPONENT PARTS

OF REACTOR INTERNALS
G 1221 PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS
Part and product manufacturing programme A 3301.
Purchase order (technical and contractual clauses) - A 3302 (which refers in turn to SECTION II,
chapter M 110).
Procurement specification, SECTION II (chapter M 110) states the conditions under which a special
procurement specification must be established.
Filler material procurement specification - A 3502 (which refers in turn to S 2120).
Filler material acceptance report - A 3503 (which refers in turn to S 2550).
Component part follow-up documents - A 3801. This quality plan is only drawn up for parts covered
by a part procurement specification.
(Other parts shall be included in the quality plan for the component of which they are a part.)

G 1222 MANUFACTURING DOCUMENTS

Fabrication instructions - A 3401
Welding instructions - A 3502
Welding report - A 3503
Examination instructions - A 3601

 n° 137-2012 G 1000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

Examination report - A 3602

Production weld data sheet - A 3503

G 1223 INSPECTION DOCUMENTS

List of examination personnel (in preparation).

G 1224 NON-CONFORMANCE OR DEVIATION REPORTS

See A 3700.

G 1300 IDENTIFICATION

G 1310 PURPOSE OF EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

The equipment identification system is a means of unequivocally associating a part or weld joint
with a given set of documents.

G 1320 ADAPTATION OF IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

TO PRODUCTION CONTROL METHODS
Identification procedures must, therefore, be adapted to the type of production control method
applied to the part or weld:
- control of individual items, using one identification number per item,
- control by lot, using one identification number per lot.
When a part is taken directly from stock and has only a steel grade number, the identification
procedures set forth in the RCC-M shall not apply to the Manufacturer.

G 1330 IDENTIFICATION METHODS

Methods used to identify the components may include:
- engraving,
- temporary marking (with ink, paint, etc.),
- labelling,
- routing slips.
Identification methods and shop organization procedures shall be defined with a view to ensuring
compliance with the objective set under B 1310.

G 1000 / 4  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 1340 TYPE OF IDENTIFICATION DATA

The RCC-M does not require information related to the origin of any part or weld (such as lot No.,
heat-treatment No., welding operator No., heat No., etc.) to be marked or written on that item itself,
its label, or its routing slip.
However, marks or codes which provide clear reference to documents containing the information
required for production control will always be acceptable.
Where lots are subdivided into one or more fabrication lots (e.g. for heat treatment) the original lot
number need not appear on each item provided that the new identification system allows for
accurate identification of the item's origins.

G 1350 RE-MARKING AND RELABELLING

If an identification code is removed or erased during fabrication, the Manufacturer shall mark or
label another portion of the part as appropriate.

Machined items belonging to the same lot do not need to be re-marked after each machining
operation, provided that:
- fabrication procedures provide for total segregation of lots,
- rejects are marked immediately, visibly and indelibly.
In the particular case of plates, where rolling direction is of significance for subsequent fabrication
or testing (e.g. removal of test sample), this information must appear on the item involved.
Discard shall always be identified according to its intended use.

G 1360 MARKING METHODS

Marking methods shall comply with requirements given in chapter F 2000.

G 1370 REFERENCING OF WELDS

G 1371 WELDS ON LARGE FABRICATED COMPONENTS
A drawing shall be made of the location and position of welds on large fabricated components.
This drawing, which may be the comprehensive layout drawing, shall give the dimensions of weld
axes (whether the welds are flush or not) with respect to a set of identification marks (which may
consist of marks on the part itself or of machined surfaces used as reference planes). It must
mandatorily be possible to detect the marks visually or by means of an optical instrument.

 n° 137-2012 G 1000 / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

For radiographically examined welds, the drawing or attached document must clearly indicate the
location of the welds and the position of identification marks in order that radiographic films be
interpreted and their position unequivocally established.

G 1372 WELDS ON OTHER STRUCTURES

A referencing drawing must be made for other structures particularly interchangeable structures, to
indicate their location with respect to the equipment. Sufficient information must be provided for
each structure to enable the location and position of the structure to be determined. Azimuth
indication shall not be required for such structures.

G 1000 / 6  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 2000

MATERIALS

G 2100 GENERAL

Chapter G 2000 sets out conditions for selection and use of materials for the manufacture of
products and parts up to acceptance for the structures covered by Subsection G. Where appropriate,
reference is made to SECTION II, "MATERIALS".
Note: The terms "ferritic steels" and "austenitic steels" have sometimes been wrongly used in the various sections of
this Code. Materials corresponding to procurement specification series M 3300, M 3400 and M 4000 of
SECTION II, shall be considered as belonging to the category "austenitic steels".

Other materials belong to the category "ferritic steels".

G 2200 APPLICATION OF SECTION II

The requirements of chapter M 100 shall be applicable.

Table G 2200 lists the procurement specifications to which the Manufacturer shall refer for core
support structures and certain internal structures. Where a choice is involved, such choice may be
limited by conditions specified in the equipment specification.

Class 1 criteria shall be applicable for the acceptance of materials for core support structures.

G 2300 SUSCEPTIBILITY TO
INTERGRANULAR CORROSION

G 2310 RULES FOR CLASSIFYING MATERIALS ACCORDING TO

SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INTERGRANULAR CORROSION
Reactor internals made from austenitic or austenitic-ferritic stainless steel shall be classified
according to susceptibility to intergranular corrosion into one of the following two groups:
Group 1: materials which are possibly contaminated and are heated after solution heat treatment to a
temperature of more than 450°C.

 n° 137-2012 G 2000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

All items subjected to any type of welding shall be classified "group 1". Castings which may be
repaired by welding shall also be classified "group 1".
Group 2: materials which are possibly contaminated and are never heated after solution heat
treatment to a temperature of more than 450°C.
The potential impact of intergranular corrosion on safety is so serious that even the most remote risk
of contamination must be taken into consideration.

G 2320 REQUIREMENTS
G 2321 SELECTION OF STEEL GRADES
Selection of steel shall be subject to the following restrictions. Group 1 is more restrictive than
group 2.
For group 1:
- very-low-carbon austenitic stainless (and, where appropriate, controlled nitrogen content) steels
with or without molybdenum; or austenitic-ferritic steel castings.

For group 2:
- low-carbon austenitic stainless steels (type Z5 CN 18-10) with or without molybdenum and type
Z6 CND 17-12 for bolting materials.
The equipment specification may stipulate which grade of steel in the group is to be used.

G 2322 DETECTING SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INTERGRANULAR CORROSION

Unless otherwise stated in the procurement specifications, detecting susceptibility to intergranular
corrosion is required for group 1 materials, in cases where the carbon content as determined by ladle
analysis is:
- above 0.030% for austenitic stainless steels,
- above 0.035% for controlled nitrogen austenitic stainless steels,
- above 0.040% for cast austenitic-ferritic stainless steels,
Detecting susceptibility to intergranular corrosion is required using test specimens for group 2
materials, after non-sensitized solution heat treatment as specified in MC 1300, in cases where the
carbon content as determined by ladle analysis is above 0.030%.
The requirements are given in the relevant procurement specifications.

G 2000 / 2  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 2400 COBALT CONTENT OF STAINLESS STEELS

USED FOR REACTOR INTERNALS AND
OF NICKEL-CHROMIUM-IRON ALLOYS

Where the component parts of reactor internals are covered by a part or product procurement
specification relating specifically to such parts, the cobalt content shall be stipulated in the
procurement specification.
Other component parts fall into two groups:
- components located near to the reactor core and subjected to high neutron bombardment shall
have a maximum cobalt content of 0.10%. These components must be individually listed in the
equipment specification. This covers the following components in particular: lower core barrel,
baffles, formers, upper and lower neutron pads.
- other components shall have a maximum cobalt content of 0.20%.

TABLE G 2200

CORE SUPPORT STRUCTURES INTERNAL STRUCTURES

Forgings ....................................... M 3301 Outlet nozzles .............................. M 3301

class 2
Castings ........................................ M 3405
Thermal screens ........................... M 3307
Plates ............................................ M 3310 (where applicable) class 2

Forgings for: Bars for bolting materials ............ M 3308

- upper support plate M 5110 (1)
- core support plate....................... M 3302
Bolts............................................. M 5140
Tubes............................................ M 3304
Hold-down spring ........................ M 3205
Bars for bolting material
and fuel assembly Inconel X 750 split pins............... M 4104
positioning pins ............................ M 3308
Bolts ............................................. M 5140
Inconel 600 forgings ................... M 4102
Parts made from Inconel X 750.... M 4104

(1) Only applies to the attachment screws for the guide tubes alignment frames.

 n° 137-2012 G 2000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 2000 / 4  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 3000

DESIGN

G 3010 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTABILITY

The requirements for the acceptability of core support structure design are provided by satisfying
either (1) or (2) below.
(1) ASME Code Section III: NG 3100, NG 3200 plus NCA paragraphs and various technical
annexes cited.
Code cases listed in the equipment specification.
RCC-M G 3300.
The applicable editions of each document shall be specified in the equipment specification.

(2) RCC-M G 3100, G 3200 and G 3300.

G 3100 GENERAL DESIGN RULES

G 3110 PURPOSE
This chapter provides the rules applicable to the sizing of core support structures and to the analysis
of their behaviour under the effect of loadings stipulated in equipment specifications.

These design rules are not intended to address the satisfaction of functional requirements such as
leaktightness, mobility, or maintenance of acceptable geometry. These considerations will be
covered by the equipment specifications.

G 3120 CONDITIONS
During operation, a component may be subjected to various conditions; these conditions are
classified into four categories to which is added a conventional reference condition

G 3121 DESIGN CONDITION

The design condition is characterized by the design loads (G 3132) defined on the basis of the most
severe loads to which the component is subjected under the normal conditions defined below.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 3122 NORMAL CONDITIONS

Normal conditions are the conditions to which the component may be subjected in the course of
normal operation (i.e. steady-state power operation and transients corresponding to normal
operation).

G 3123 UPSET CONDITIONS

Upset conditions are the conditions to which components may be subjected in the course of normal
operating incidents.

G 3124 EMERGENCY CONDITIONS

Emergency conditions are the conditions to which components may be subjected in the case of very
infrequent incidents, but which must nonetheless be considered.

G 3125 FAULTED CONDITIONS

Faulted conditions are conditions which are highly improbable, but whose consequences for
component safety are nonetheless studied. Only those conditions whose probability does not make
them practically inconceivable need to be considered.

G 3130 LOADING CONSIDERATIONS

There is a set of environmental effects (pressures, forces, heat flux, irradiation, corrosion)
corresponding to each condition. Certain of these effects which may produce mechanical work as a
function of component deformation, are referred to as loads. Sets of loads are referred to
as loadings.

G 3131 LOADS
The loads constituting loadings include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) Pressure differences due to coolant flow.
b) Weight of the core support structure.
c) Superimposed loads such as those due to other structures, the reactor core, flow distributors and
baffles, thermal shields, and safety equipment.
d) Earthquake loads or other loads which result from motion of the reactor vessel.
e) Reactions from supports or restraints.
f) Loads due to temperature effects, thermal gradients or differential expansion.

g) Loads resulting from the impingement and flow of fluid.

h) Transient pressure difference loads, such as those which result from rupture of the main
coolant pipe.

G 3000 / 2  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

i) Vibratory loads.
j) Loads resulting from the operation of control rod drive mechanisms and snubbing of control rods.
k) Handling loads experienced in preparation for or during refuelling or in-service inspection.

G 3132 DESIGN CONDITION LOADS

Loads associated with the design condition are defined in the following subparagraphs.

G 3132.1 Design pressure difference

a) The specified design pressure difference shall not be less than the maximum difference in
pressure between the inside and outside of the core support structure which exists under normal
operating conditions.
It shall be used in the computations made to show compliance with the stress intensity limits of
G 3233, G 3238.1, G 3238.2, G 3238.4, G 3243 a), G 3234 a) and G 3251.
When the occurrence of different pressure differences during operation can be predicted for the
various zones of structure, the design pressure difference of the various zones may be based on
their predicted pressure difference.

b) The design pressure difference shall include allowances for pressure difference surges.

G 3132.2 Design temperature

The design temperature to be applied to a given zone shall not be less than the maximum value of
the average through-wall temperature which may exist in this zone under normal operating
conditions. Where a core support structure is heated by gamma irradiation, the effect of such heating
shall be incorporated in the establishment of the design temperature.
The design temperature shall be used in conjunction with the design pressure defined in G 3132.1. If
necessary, metal temperature may be determined by analysis or by measurements performed on
components subjected to equivalent service conditions.
Metal temperature shall never exceed the temperature limits imposed by the tables of annex Z I.

G 3132.3 Other design loads

Design loads shall be selected so that when combined with the design pressure difference, the
loading thus obtained covers all loads associated with normal operating conditions.
The values of mechanical loads shall be those identified in the equipment specification.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

Loads to be taken into account include, among others, earthquake effects and impact forces resulting
from either internal or external conditions.
Core support structures shall be arranged supported so that vibration will be minimized.

G 3140 LEVELS OF CRITERIA

A criteria level shall be specified for each loading associated with a condition or category of
conditions. The level to be used shall be at least as severe as the one stipulated in G 3150. It shall be
indicated in the equipment specification.
A set of stress limits is associated with each criteria level. The limits imposed depend on the
objectives of this chapter which concern mechanical integrity.

G 3150 MINIMUM CRITERIA LEVELS APPLICABLE

UNDER THE VARIOUS LOADING CONDITIONS
G 3151 DESIGN CONDITION
Level O criteria shall be met for the design condition.

G 3152 NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS

Level A criteria shall be met under normal operating conditions.

G 3153 UPSET CONDITIONS

The criteria stipulated in the equipment specification for upset conditions shall be at least as severe
as level B criteria.

G 3154 EMERGENCY CONDITIONS

The criteria stipulated in the equipment specification for emergency conditions shall be at least as
severe as level C criteria.

G 3155 FAULTED CONDITIONS

The criteria stipulated for faulted conditions in the equipment specification shall be at least as severe
as level D criteria.

G 3160 STRESS REPORT

A stress report shall be prepared for all components subject to the rules stipulated in this chapter.
This report shall demonstrate that the criteria of this chapter are respected for all loadings specified
in the equipment specification.

G 3000 / 4  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

It shall also demonstrate that any additional design requirements contained in the equipment
specification are met.

G 3170 SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

G 3171 CORROSION
If the component is subject to in-service thinning resulting from surface corrosion, erosion or from
mechanical abrasion under the effects of fluids handled or under environmental effects, a certain
additional thickness shall be provided. This thickness, which shall compensate for thinning during
the specified service life of the component, shall be added to the thickness determined on the basis
of the rules in this chapter.
This thickness may be different for the various component areas according to the expected corrosion
speed.

G 3172 CLADDING
Generally, cladding on core support structures (CS) will not affect their structural strength. If
structural cladding is to be envisaged, appropriate rules shall be provided at that time.

G 3173 WELDS CONNECTING DISSIMILAR METALS

Special attention shall be paid to the design and performance of welds connecting dissimilar metals
with different coefficients of thermal expansion.

G 3174 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

Changes in material properties may occur due to environmental effects. In particular, there may be a
significant increase in the brittle fracture transition temperature and a reduction in toughness at
temperatures above the transition range (upper shelf energy) resulting from neutron irradiation
above a certain level (above 1 Mev).
It is therefore preferable for structural discontinuities in ferritic steel vessels not to be placed in
regions of high neutron flux.

G 3200 RULES FOR ANALYZING CORE

SUPPORT STRUCTURE BEHAVIOUR

G 3210 ORGANIZATION OF ANALYSIS

G 3211 PURPOSE OF ANALYSIS
Satisfaction of the appropriate set of criteria under each set of conditions for Design (G 3120) shall
assure that materials do not undergo certain types of damage when subjected to loadings produced
by that set of conditions.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 5
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This analysis consists of verifying compliance with criteria selected on the basis of the method
analysis and the criteria level. In the course of this verification, practical methods of analysis are
used to determine significant magnitudes and to compare these magnitudes with maximum
permissible values.

G 3212 REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTABILITY

The requirements for the acceptability of a design by analysis of core support structures are those set
forth in (a) to (d) below.
a) The stress intensities obtained by analysis shall not exceed the limits of G 3200 using the
allowable basic stress intensity values Sm as tabulated in tables Z I 1.1, Z I 1.2 and Z I 1.7.

b) The design details shall conform to general rules in G 3100 and requirements in G 3300, and in
particular, those on design for welded construction (analysis shall use the quality factor, n, and
the fatigue factor, f).

c) For configurations where compressive stresses occur, the critical buckling stress shall be taken
into account. For this, see annex Z IV (for the special case of external pressure difference and for
components covered by G 3233.4 (elastic analysis - criteria level O), the structural analysis shall
be conducted with annex Z IV excepting Z IV 110. The term "external pressure" shall be
replaced by "external pressure difference").
Figures are provided in Z IV 200 to assist in determining compressive stresses.
Level C criteria are specified in G 3236.
Tolerances for ovality are covered in F 4217.
Where dynamic pressure differences are involved, the permissible external pressure difference
shall satisfy the requirements of annex Z IV or be limited to 25% of the dynamic instability
pressure difference for normal operating conditions.

d) Protection against fast fracture shall be provided.

G 3213 METHODS OF ANALYSIS

The first step in the analysis is to select a method.
The rules in this chapter are based on the widest possible application of the theory of linear
elasticity. Criteria are then expressed by means of stress combinations obtained using elastic
calculations. It should be noted, however, that as most types of damage imply plastic deformation,
the criteria are directly related to the elastoplastic behaviour of the components.
In certain special cases, calculation methods in the plastic range may be used to determine local and
general deformation under the effect of a loading. The use of these methods generally requires
longer calculations and the determination of the loading history.

G 3000 / 6  n° 137-2012
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Experimental methods may also be used. In this case, scale models of a component or certain of its
parts are subjected to loadings to determine deformations and stresses or to establish safety margins
relative to the type of damage being studied.
Four methods are thus acceptable:
- elastic analysis dealt with in G 3230,
- elastoplastic analysis dealt with in G 3242 and G 3243,
- experimental stress analysis dealt with in G 3245,
- stress-ratio method dealt with in G 3244.

G 3214 ZONES OF CALCULATION

It may be necessary for technical reasons to break a structure down into several zones of calculation
to analyze a single type of damage. In this case, an overall analysis of the structure shall be made to
determine the connections and loads or displacements to apply to the zone boundaries for each load
case considered.

G 3215 COMBINATIONS OF METHODS

Various methods of analysis may be used.
a) To analyze different zones of a single structure:
in this case, the connection, loads and displacements at zone boundaries shall be selected on the
basis of the results of the overall analysis so as to obtain a pessimistic estimate of the resistance
to each type of damage under consideration for the zone being analyzed.
b) To analyze the behaviour of a single zone of calculation under various conditions which may or
may not belong to a single category.

Normal and upset conditions must be studied globally in fatigue analyses. In this case, the
application of several methods of analysis at the same time must be specifically justified.

G 3220 ANALYSIS-RELATED TERMS

G 3221 DISCONTINUITIES
a) Gross Structural Discontinuity
A gross structural discontinuity is a geometric or material discontinuity which affects the stress
or strain distribution through the entire wall thickness of the shell type pressure-retaining
structure and thus significantly affects the global behaviour of the structure.
Examples of gross structural discontinuities are head-to-shell and flange-to-shell junctions,
nozzles, and junctions between shells of different diameters, of different thicknesses or of
different materials.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 7
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

Gross discontinuity stresses are those portions of the actual stress distributions that produce
resulting force and moment in the section, when integrated through the wall thickness.

b) Minor (or local) structural discontinuity

A minor or local discontinuity is geometric or material discontinuity which affects the stress or
strain distribution through a part of the wall thickness and thus does not have a significant
influence on the global behaviour of the structure. The stress distribution resulting from this type
of discontinuity causes only very localized deformations.
Examples of minor structural discontinuities are small fillet radii, small attachments, and partial-
penetration welds.

G 3222 STRESSES
a) Normal stress
Normal stress is the stress component normal to a reference plane.
Normal stress distribution is generally not uniform through the wall thickness. When it is not
uniform, it can be considered as the result of the sum of two components, one of which is
constant and equal to the average through-thickness stress and the other which is variable through
the thickness.

b) Shear stress
Shear stress is the projection into the reference plane of the stress vector relative to this plane.

c) Membrane stress
Membrane stress is the average of the normal stress or shear stress across the thickness of the
section under consideration.

d) Bending stress
Bending stress is the difference, at any point across the thickness of the section under
consideration, between the value of the normal stress as defined in a) and the value of the
membrane stress as defined in c) above. The variation may or may not be linear across
the section.

e) Load stress
Load stresses are stresses resulting from the application of mechanical loads such as internal
pressure, weight, and earthquakes, as distinguished from thermal stresses.

f) Thermal stress
Thermal stresses are self-balancing stresses produced by a non-uniform temperature distribution
through the wall or by different thermal coefficients of expansion. Thermal stresses also develop
in a volume of material when it is prevented from taking the form it would naturally adopt when
subjected to a change in temperature.

G 3000 / 8  n° 137-2012
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For the purpose of establishing stress criteria, two distinct types of thermal stresses are
recognized, depending on the volume in which distortion takes place:
1) A general thermal stress is associated with differential expansion affecting the entire thickness
of the wall. If the range for this type of stress, neglecting stress concentrations, exceeds twice
the yield strength of the material, the elastic analysis may be invalid and successive thermal
cycles may produce progressive deformation. This type of stress is classified as a
secondary stress.
The following are examples of general thermal stresses:
- Stresses resulting from an axial temperature distribution or from the junction of two
different materials in a shell.
- Stresses produced by the temperature difference between a nozzle and the shell to which it
is connected.
- The equivalent linear distribution of stress* produced by a radial temperature distribution in
the wall of a shell.
* Defined as having the same resultant moment and the same average value as the real stress distribution.

2) Local thermal stress is associated with almost complete suppression of differential expansion
through the thickness of the wall and thus produces no significant deformation
Such stresses shall only be considered from the point of view of fatigue damage and shall
therefore be considered as local stresses. In evaluating local thermal stresses, the procedure of
G 3238.6.b. shall be used.
The following are examples of local thermal stresses:
- the stress produced by a hot spot in the wall of a component;
- the difference between the actual stress and the equivalent linear stress resulting from radial
temperature distribution in the wall of a shell;
- the thermal stresses in a cladding material which has a coefficient of thermal expansion
different from that of the base metal.

g) Total stress
Total stress is the stress value obtained at a given point in the wall when the structure is subjected
to all the effects considered. It is the sum of the primary, secondary and peak stress contributions.
For any type of analysis, total stress should be broken down into the appropriate basic stress
categories so that the criteria for the type of analysis can be correctly applied.

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h) Free-end displacement
Free-end displacement consists of the relative motions that would occur between two connected
structures if they were separated. Examples of such motions are those that would occur because
of relative thermal expansion of piping, components, and supports or because of rotations
imposed upon the components by sources other than piping.

i) Expansion stress
Expansion stresses are those stresses resulting from restraint of displacements of core support
structures.

G 3223 DEFINITIONS RELATIVE TO THE VERIFICATION

OF LEVEL A AND B CRITERIA
a) Condition
Every condition is characterized by the evolution of various effects according to the following
pattern:
- steady-state,
- variation of the effects,
- return to steady-state.

b) Stress or strain cycle

A condition gives rise to one or more cycles of strain or stress during which the stress or strain
goes from an initial value through algebraic maximum and minimum values and then returns to
the initial value.
Dynamic effects shall also be considered as stress or strain cycles.

c) Plastic adaptation (elastic shakedown)

For cyclic loadings, a structure is plastically adapted if, after a few cycles, behaviour becomes
elastic at every point in the structure.

d) Plastic accommodation (plastic shakedown)

For cyclic loadings, a structure undergoes plastic accommodation if, after a few cycles,
behaviour, while remaining elastoplastic, is the same at each cycle. Plastic accommodation
excludes the possibility of progressive deformation.

e) Global plastic adaptation (global linear shakedown)

Global plastic adaptation is the state of a structure which undergoes plastic accommodation and
in which plastic deformation only appears in deformation concentration zones whose dimensions
are significantly less than the thickness of the sections under consideration. In this state, the
response of the structure is predominantly elastic and the development of plastic deformation is
inhibited by restraint ensured by the parts which remain elastic. The deformation concentration
effect depends mainly on geometry and loading and only to a lesser degree on the stress-strain
relationship of the material.

G 3000 / 10  n° 137-2012
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f) Fatigue strength reduction factor

Fatigue strength reduction factor is a stress concentration factor which results from the effect of a
local structural discontinuity on the fatigue strength.
In the absence of experimental data, the theoretical stress concentration factor may be used.

G 3230 ELASTIC ANALYSIS

G 3231 DEFINITIONS RELATING TO STRESSES
a) General
These criteria include:
- the classification of the components of stresses into several categories (stress classification),
- the combination at the component level of stress categories involved in verifying the criterion
under consideration,
- the comparison of scalars determined from the combinations thus obtained and the specified
stress limits.
A few general guidelines are provided below to facilitate this stress classification. In case of
doubt, the damage mechanisms must be considered when resolving the practical problems
presented by these operations.

b) Primary stress
Primary stress is any normal stress or shear stress developed by imposed loads which contributes
directly to satisfying the equilibrium of mechanical loads. For this reason, primary stresses
continue to exist in the event of plastic deformation. When primary stresses exceed the yield
strength of a material, there is a risk of excessive deformation.
Thermal stresses are not considered as primary stresses.
The following are examples of primary stresses:
- general membrane stress in a cylindrical shell due to internal pressure difference or to
distributed live loads,
- bending stress in the central region of a flat head due to pressure difference.
A general primary membrane stress is a stress which is distributed in the structure in such a way
that no redistribution of loads occurs as a result of yielding.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 11
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

c) Secondary stresses
Secondary stresses are normal stresses or shear stresses which must be limited once primary
stress limits have been applied, so that there is a global adaptation of the structure. Global
adaptation ensures protection against progressive deformation and the confinement of plastic
deformation concentration zones. The amplitude of strain in these local regions is then limited by
surrounding material subjected to elastic cycling conditions. This condition validates the
procedures applied in the elastic analysis to determine component fatigue strength.
Secondary stresses are associated with the compatibility of deformations of adjacent parts of the
component or of the zone analyzed when this component or zone is subjected to mechanical
loads or thermal expansion. The result of plastic deformation, when it occurs, is to ensure this
compatibility.
The basic characteristic of a secondary stress is that is self-limiting. Local yielding and minor
distortions are sufficient to satisfy the conditions which cause the stress to occur.
Examples of secondary stresses are:
- general thermal stress,
- bending stress at a gross structural discontinuity.

d) Peak stress
The notion of peak stress is formally included in the code to complete stress classification. The
peak stress at a given point is the difference between the total stress and the stress corresponding
to the linear distribution of primary plus secondary stress with the same moment and the same
average value.
The basic characteristic of a peak stress is that it cannot cause any general distortion. Peak stress
is therefore taken into account only when fatigue or fast fracture risks are considered. In fact, it
is the total stress at a given point resulting from all applied loadings which is taken into account
in the determination of resistance to fatigue.
A stress which is not highly localized falls into this category, if it is of a type which cannot cause
noticeable distortion.
The following are examples of peak stresses:
- thermal stresses in austenitic steel cladding of carbon steel vessels,
- the thermal stresses induced in component walls by rapid variations in the temperature of the
fluid handled,
- stresses produced by local structural discontinuities.

G 3000 / 12  n° 137-2012
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e) Stress intensity
The stress intensity at a point in the structure is derived from the stress state at that point by
applying a fracture theory; this value is then compared with the mechanical properties of
materials determined in uniaxial load tension tests.
Tresca's yielding criterion is used in elastic analysis. When this criterion is applied, the
significant value to be taken into account is equal to twice the maximum shear stress calculated
for the point under consideration.
Twice the maximum shear stress is equal to the algebraic difference between the algebraically
largest and the algebraically smallest of the three principal stresses. Tensile stresses are
considered as positive and compressive stresses as negative. This value, often referred to as
"equivalent intensity of combined stress", is termed "stress intensity" in this Code.

f) Classification of stresses
The stresses determined by analysis shall be classified under the various categories defined
above. For each criteria level O, A, B, C and D, a limit is imposed on the stress intensities
corresponding to each of these categories.
The symbols corresponding to the various stress categories are the following:
Pm : general primary membrane stress: G 3231 b).
Pb : primary bending stress: G 3231 b).
Pe : expansion stress: G 3222 i).
Q : secondary stress: G 3231 c).
F : peak stress: G 3231 d).
In the next step of the analysis, the algebraic sum of the classified stresses for each set of
conditions must be obtained at the level of the components. This must be done prior to averaging
stress and linearizing stresses through the wall.
Table G 3231.1 is a classification of stress intensities for some typical cases.

G 3232 STRESS ANALYSIS

G 3232.1 Determination of average and linear stress in a section
When deriving membrane stress intensity (G 3232.2) and membrane plus bending stress intensity
(G 3232.3) for a given section, it may be necessary to first determine the average stress or the linear
stress distribution throughout the thickness of the stress components as follows.
Determine the distribution of stress components in the given section from the stress state of the
structure and express this in terms of a local set of orthogonal coordinates (x, y, z) specific to the
section. For a shell of revolution, a set of preferred coordinates will be provided by the radial,
longitudinal and tangential direction.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 13
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Then calculate the following:

a) The average of the stress components across the thickness. These components will be designated
by the local set of coordinates for the section and will be labelled as follows:
- three normal membrane and bending stresses: σmx, σmy, σmz,
- three linear shear stresses : τmxy, τmyz, τmzx,

b) Membrane plus bending stresses, which are extreme values on each surface of the linear
distribution through the thickness of the stress components; these will be labelled as follows:
- three normal membrane and bending stresses:
σmx + σFx, σmy + σFy, σmz + σFz,
- three linear shear stresses: τxy, τyz, τzx

G 3232.2 General primary membrane stress intensity Pm

General primary membrane stress intensity is determined outside any gross discontinuity zone. The
three principal stresses σm1, σm2, σm3 are derived from the stress components σmx, σmy, σmz, τmxy,
τmyz, τmzx as determined in compliance with G 3232.1.
The three following stress differences are then calculated:
Sm12 = σm1 - σm2
Sm23 = σm2 - σm3
Sm31 = σm3 - σm1
The membrane stress intensity Pm is the greatest absolute value of Sm12, Sm23, Sm31.
Stresses due to specified earthquake effects are to be combined at the component level with stresses
produced by other loads with sign such as to obtain the maximum general primary membrane stress
intensity Pm.

G 3232.3 Primary membrane plus bending stress intensity Pm + Pb

Primary stresses are linearized component by component through the thickness of the section under
consideration in accordance with G 3232.1.
The three principal stresses σ1, σ2, σ3 and the three stress differences S12, S23, S31 are then
determined at each surface from the stress tensor constituted by the following components resulting
from this linearization:
σmx + σFx , σmy +σFy, σmz + σFz, τxy, τyz, τzx.
The membrane plus bending stress intensity is the greatest absolute value of S12, S23, S31.
The stresses due to the specified earthquake effects are to be combined at the component level with
the stresses produced by other loads with a sign such as to obtain the maximum values for the
primary membrane plus bending stress intensity Pm + Pb.

G 3000 / 14  n° 137-2012
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G 3232.4 Calculation of stress range at any point

The stress range shall be determined at a single point for stress cycles derived from the analysis of
the specified constant and transient states.
a) Constant principal stress direction
1) Let x1, x2, and x3 be the directions of principal stress of direction xi
The principal stresses are considered at the point versus time.
2) The following stress differences Sij are determined as a function of time for the whole cycle:
S12 = 1 - 2
S23 = 2 - 3
S31 = 3 - 1
3) Determine the maxima and minima of the cycles through which each Sij fluctuates.
Derive the (Sr)ij ranges of the Sij by calculating the differences between these maxima and
minima. By definition, the Sr range is equal to the largest of the (Sr)ij.

b) Varying principal stress directions

If the principal stress directions at the point under consideration very during the stress cycle, the
following procedure shall be applied:
1) Let x, y, z, xy, yz, zx be the six components of the stress tensor determined as a
function of time at the point of the structure analyzed with the provisions specified in
G 3232.5 and G 3232.6 taken into account.
2) Select one point in time from the service life of the component for which stress values are at
extremes and assign a k index to the components of the stresses at this point in time.
3) Subtract the six components determined above, (x)k, (y)k, (z)k, (xy)k, (yz)k, (zx)k,
from stress components x, y, z, xy, yz, zx, calculated as a function of time.
Write the results obtained as follows: ('x)k, ('y)k, ('z)k, ('xy)k, ('yz)k, ('zx)k,
4) Calculate the main stresses ('1)k, ('2)k, ('3)k, derived from these stress components. Note
that the direction of the principal stresses may change during the cycle; each principal stress
identity shall be retained as it rotates.
5) At each point in time, calculate stress differences (S'ij)k so that:
(S'12)k = ('1)k - ('2)k,
(S'23)k = ('2)k - ('3)k,
(S'31)k = ('3)k - ('1)k.
The stress range (Sr)k is equal to the greatest absolute value of any stress difference (S'ij)k at
any time.

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6) In some cases, it will not be possible to easily choose one time during the cycle when the
stresses are known to be extremes. It may then be necessary to try different points in time and
to calculate (Sr)k by using steps 3) through 5) above to find the one which results in the
largest value of stress range.
The stress range Sr is the greatest absolute value of (Sr)k thus obtained.

G 3232.5 Range of primary plus secondary stresses  (Pm + Pb + Q)

The verification general adaptation conditions (G 3232 e) requires the determinations of the
primary plus secondary stress range in accordance with the rules in G 3232.4 with primary plus
secondary stresses taken into account in accordance with the rules in G 3234.2.

In this case, the notation of the Sr value dealt with in G 3232.4 is Sn.

The stresses produced by cyclic variations on the specified earthquake effects are considered at
every point in time with a sign such as to maximize the range of stresses dealt with in
this paragraph.

The earthquake effects and the stresses produced by other loads shall be calculated at the stress
component level before calculating the principal stresses covered in G 3232.4.

G 3232.6 Range of total stresses  (Pm + Pb + Q + F)

When resistance to fatigue is verified, the range of total stresses (G 3222.g) is determined in
accordance with the rules provided in G 3232.4 with stresses resulting from all loads to which the
component is subjected taken into account in accordance with G 3234.

In this case, the notation of the Sr value dealt with in G 3232.4 is Sp.

Stresses produced by the cyclic variations of the specified earthquake effects are considered as
possible at any point in time. These stresses, when G 3234.5 b) so requires, shall be combined with
the stresses imposed by other loads, at the stress component level before the calculation of the
principal stresses covered in G 3232.4. These stresses shall be combined with a sign such that the
range of stresses considered is maximized.

G 3232.7 Allowable basic stress intensities

The allowable basic stress intensities (Sm) used in expressing the criteria of this chapter are given in
annex Z I (Z I 1.1, Z I 1.2 and Z I 1.7) for the various materials used.
Values corresponding to intermediate temperatures shall be determined by linear interpolation.

G 3000 / 16  n° 137-2012
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Yield strength, coefficients of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity, coefficients of thermal
expansion and moduli of elasticity requirements are tabulated in Z I 2.0 (Z I 2.1, Z I 2.2, Z I 2.3),
Z I 5.0, Z I 6.0 and Z I 7.0 respectively.
The fatigue curves used for verifying the requirements of G 3234 are given in annex Z I 4.0.

G 3233 LEVEL O CRITERIA FOR CORE SUPPORT STRUCTURES

OTHER THAN THREADED STRUCTURAL FASTENERS
The requirements provided in G 3233.1 to G 3133.4 are to be applied to the stress intensities
associated with design loads (G 3132). The special stress limits stipulated in G 3237 shall also be
checked when they are applicable. The rules in G 3240 relative to applications other than elastic
analysis may be substituted for certain of the requirements in this paragraph if the associated
conditions prescribed in G 3240 are satisfied.

G 3233.1 General primary membrane stress intensity limits

General primary membrane stress intensity shall be determined from design loads defined in
G 3132 in accordance with the rules provided in G 3232.2.
In compliance with the provisions of G 3232.1, stresses shall be averaged at the component level
before stress intensities are determined. The permissible value for this stress intensity is Sm at the
design temperature (G 3232.7).

G 3233.2 General primary membrane plus primary bending stress intensity limits
Primary membrane plus bending stress intensity Pm plus Pb is determined at the surface in
compliance with G 3232.3 with design pressure difference and other specified design loads taken
into account.
The permissible value for this stress intensity is 1.5 Sm (G 3232.7).

G 3233.3 Reinforcement for openings

The rules applicable for reinforcing class 1 vessels, presented in annex Z A, may be used in the
design if reinforcement design for core support structures is stipulated in the equipment
specification.

G 3233.4 External pressure

Components subjected to uniform external pressure shall be designed to the requirements of
G 3212 c).

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RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 3234 LEVEL A CRITERIA FOR CORE SUPPORT STRUCTURES

OTHER THAN THREADED STRUCTURAL FASTENERS
The stress limits to be complied with when level A criteria are prescribed in the equipment
specification are deal with in this paragraph and summarized in table G 3234.1. The special stress
limits in G 3238 shall also be checked when applicable. The rules in G 3240 on elastoplastic and
experimental analysis may be substituted for certain of the requirements in this paragraph if the
related conditions stipulated in G 3240 are satisfied.

G 3234.1 General primary plus primary bending stress intensity limits

The stress intensities of the general primary membrane Pm and the general primary membrane plus
primary bending Pm + Pb are derived at the surface according to G 3232.3 from the stresses
produced by design pressure differences and other design mechanical loads specified for the
conditions requiring satisfaction of level A criteria.
The allowable values of these stress intensities are established by G 3233.1 and G 3233.2.

G 3234.2 Limits applicable to the range of the sum of primary and secondary
stresses
The range of the sum of primary and secondary stresses Sn shall be determined at the surface in
accordance with G 3232.5. This range shall be delivered from the sum of the general primary
membrane stresses plus the primary bending stresses and the secondary stresses resulting from
pressure differences and other mechanical and thermal loads specified for the conditions requiring
compliance with level A criteria. The effects of gross structural discontinuities but not of local
structural discontinuities (stress concentration) shall be included.
The notation for the Sn range is Δ (Pm + Pb + Q) in table G 3234.1. This range shall be limited to
3 Sm under all conditions requiring compliance with level A and B criteria.
If this limit is exceeded exclusively because of low cycle thermal bending stresses, the analysis may
be continued using the simplified elastoplastic analysis method provided in G 3234.3.
The values of Sm are given in annex Z I (see G 3232.7). When all or part of the secondary stress is
produced by mechanical loading, the Sm value considered shall not exceed the value for the highest
temperature encountered during the conditions analyzed. When the secondary stress is produced
entirely by a temperature transient at the point analyzed, the value of Sm shall be taken as the
average of the Sm values corresponding to the extreme metal temperatures experienced during the
conditions analyzed.

G 3000 / 18  n° 137-2012
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G 3234.3 Simplified elastoplastic analysis

The criteria in G 3234.2 concerning the limit on the range of primary plus secondary stresses, may
be exceeded if the requirements in point 1) to 6) below are satisfied.
1) The Sn range determined in accordance with G 3232.5 from the sum of the primary plus
secondary stresses, excluding thermal bending stresses is limited to 3 Sm:
Sn  3 Sm

2) Note that the application of this rule corresponds in every case to the introduction of an
elastoplastic strain correction factor Ke greater than 1 into the fatigue analyses.

3) The procedure of G 3238.6 need not be used.

4) The requirements in G 3234.8 relative to thermal ratchet shall be met.

5) The operating temperature shall not exceed the maximum values for which the elastoplastic
strain correction factors are defined in G 3234.6.

6) The ratio of the specified minimum value of the yield strength over the specified minimum value
of the tensile strength of the material shall be less than 0.8; values for yield strength and tensile
strength are taken at room temperature.

G 3234.4 Thermal expansion stress intensity (Pe) limit (G 3222 i)

Thermal expansion stress intensity is the maximum value of stresses through the section analyzed,
resulting from the restraint of free-end displacement (G 3222 h) and from the effects of thermal
anchor point motions excluding local structural discontinuities.
The allowable range of these stresses, expressed as Pe in table G 3234.1, is determined in
accordance with the provisions of G 3232.5 for all conditions to which level A and B criteria apply
(G 3152). The allowable value of the range of this stress intensity when added with primary and
secondary stress intensities is 3 Sm.

G 3234.5 Analysis of fatigue behaviour in zones

with no geometrical discontinuities
a) The resistance of component subjected to fluctuations of mechanical or thermal loads over time
shall be verified in accordance with the rules in b) and d) below or by experimental analysis in
accordance with annex Z II.
However, fatigue analysis need not be performed if all of the provisions of c) below are satisfied
for all specified conditions for which compliance with level A and B criteria is required.
If analysis for fatigue is performed, acceptance criteria shall be verified at every point for all the
conditions specified requiring compliance with level A and B criteria.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 19
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

b) Total stress shall be determined from all pressures and mechanical and thermal loads specified
for the conditions requiring compliance with level A and B criteria. It therefore includes general
and local thermal effects and the effects of gross and local structural discontinuities.
In this analysis, the alternating stress intensity Salt is equal to the half range of total stress Sp
(G 3232.6) and is compared with the values provided in the corresponding curves in annex Z I.
These curves give the allowable Sa value for the alternating stress intensity Salt as a function of
the number of cycles.
The range of total stresses is calculated assuming elastic behaviour of the material and thus has
the dimension of a stress. It does not represent a real stress when the yield strength is exceeded.
The fatigue curves in annex Z I 4.0 are derived from uniaxial strain cycling tests, the imposed
strains being multiplied by the modulus of elasticity to obtain stresses. The curves have been
adjusted to include the maximum effects of mean strain.
When several fatigue curves are presented for a given material, the annex specifies the
applicability of each curve to materials of various strength levels. The strength level is the
specified minimum value at room temperature.
The effects of alternating stresses of varying amplitude are combined using a linear damage
relation.

c) Components not requiring fatigue analysis.

A fatigue analysis is not obligatory if the conditions stipulated in 1) to 4) below are met.
1) Temperature Difference-Startup and shut-down cycles:
the temperature difference between any two adjacent points * of the structure during normal
operation shall not exceed:
Sa
2E

Sa the value obtained from the applicable design fatigue curves in annex Z I 4.0 for the
specified number of startup-shutdown cycles.
E the modulus of elasticity at the mean value of the temperature at the two points as given in
annex Z I 7.0.
 the value of the instantaneous coefficient of thermal expansion at the mean value of the
temperatures at the two points as given by annex Z I 6.0.

* Adjacent points are defined as points which are spaced less than the distance 2 Rt from each other, where
R and t are the mean radius and thickness, respectively, of the shell of revolution in the zone under
consideration. In configurations other than a shell of revolution, either the allowable distance between
adjacent points must be determined in appropriate case-by-case configurations or a fatigue analysis shall be
accomplished.

G 3000 / 20  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

2) Temperature difference - those associated with conditions (excluding startup and shutdown
cycles) for which compliance with level A and B criteria is required.
The algebraic temperature difference between any two adjacent points * shall not change
during normal operation by more than the quantity:
Sa
2E
where:
Sa the value obtained from the applicable design fatigue curves in annex Z I 4.0 for the total
specified number of significant temperature difference fluctuations.
A temperature difference fluctuation shall be considered to be significant if its total algebraic
range exceeds the quantity.
S
2E
where :
S the value of Sa obtained from the applicable design fatigue curves in annex Z I 4.0 for
106 cycles.

* Adjacent points are defined as points which are spaced less than the distance 2 Rt from each other, where
R and t are the mean radius and thickness, respectively, of the shell of revolution in the zone under
consideration. In configurations other than a shell of revolution, either the allowable distance between
adjacent points must be determined in appropriate case-by-case configurations or a fatigue analysis shall be
accomplished.

3) Temperature difference - Dissimilar materials

For structures fabricated from materials of differing moduli of elasticity or coefficients of
thermal expansion, the total algebraic range of temperature shall not exceed:
Sa
2 E1 1  E 2  2 
where:
Sa the value obtained from the applicable design fatigue curve in annex Z I for the specified
total number of significant temperature fluctuations,
E1 and E2 the moduli of elasticity, and 1 and 2 the values of the instantaneous
coefficient of thermal expansion for the two materials given in annex Z I and
which correspond to the mean temperature.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 21
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

A temperature fluctuation shall be considered to be significant if its total amplitude exceeds

S
2 E1 1  E 2  2 
where:
S the value of Sa obtained from the applicable design fatigue curve of annex Z I 4.0 for
106 cycles.
If the two materials used have different applicable design fatigue curves, the lower value of
Sa shall be used in applying the rules of this paragraph.

4) Mechanical loads
The specified full range of mechanical loads, including pipe reactions and pressure
differences, shall not result in load stresses whose range exceeds the Sa value obtained from
the applicable design fatigue curve of annex Z I for the total specified number of significant
load fluctuations.
If the total specified number of significant load fluctuations exceeds 106 the Sa value of
N = 106 may be used.
A load fluctuation shall be considered to be significant if the range of the resulting stress
intensity exceeds the value of Sa obtained from the applicable design fatigue curve for
106 cycles.

d) If the provisions of G 3234.5 c) are not met, fatigue analysis shall be required.
The usage factor may be determined either by the method of B 3234.5 c) or by the method of
annex Z H, using the evolution of the total stress differences Sij or S'ij determined in accordance
with G 3232.4 for all sets of conditions for which compliance with level A and B criteria is
required.

G 3234.6 Elastoplastic strain correction factor

The elastoplastic strain correction factor Ke dealt with in G 3234.3 and G 3234.5 is defined as being
the ratio of the real strain amplitude over the theoretical strain amplitude determined by elastic
analysis.
This strain amplitude is obtained from the strain tensor using the method described in G 3232.6.
An acceptable value for this factor Ke can be determined using the following procedure:
The value Salt covered in G 3234.5.b takes the following value:

Salt 
1
K e mech  Sp mech   K e ther  Sp ther  
2

G 3000 / 22  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

where:
Sp mech: range of the mechanical part of the stress Sp. It is calculated from the loads of mechanical
origin comprising pressure, weight, earthquake (inertial and movement of anchors), as
well as the effect of thermal expansion.
Ke mech : elastoplastic stress correction factor for the mechanical part calculated from the
maximum range Sn of the three differences of linearised stresses and the permissible
equivalent stress Sm, defined in compliance with G 3234.2.

Ke mech = 1.0 for Sn  3 Sm

1 n  Sn 
Ke mech = 1.0   1  for 3 Sm < Sn < 3 m Sm
n ( m  1 )  3 S m 

1
Ke mech = for Sn  3 m Sm
n

The values for m and n are given below.

Maximum
m n
temperature
Low alloy steel 2.0 0.2 370° C
Martensitic stainless steel 2.0 0.2 370° C
Carbon steel 3.0 0.2 370° C
Austenitic stainless steel 1.7 0.3 430 ° C
Nickel-Chromium-iron 1.7 0.3 430 ° C

Sp ther: range of the thermal part of the stresses Sp. It is calculated from the loads of thermal
origin comprising those of temperature gradients in the walls and the temperature
variations on either side of thickness and material discontinuities. It is acceptable to take
as the value of Sp ther, the difference between the total Sp and Sp mech adopted above.
Ke ther: elastoplastic stress correction factor for the thermal part, calculated in the case of
austenitic stainless steels, by the following formula:

 1 
1.86  1  
Ke ther = max  1.66  ( S n / S m ) 

from the maximum range Sn of the three differences of linearised stresses and the
permissible equivalent stress Sm, defined in compliance with G 3234.2.

For ferritic steels, the formula used shall be validated on a case by case basis.
It is acceptable not to impose a mechanical/thermal division but to apply the expression of the
factor Ke mech for correction of the total stress Sp. It is also acceptable to use the method described
in G 3238.6.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 23
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

An upper limit on the global effect of plastic stress corrections can be introduced if the results of
elastoplastic studies are available, obtained for similar geometric configurations subjected to
envelope transients and loads, increasing the loads and transients taken into account in the
behaviour analyses.

G 3234.7 Analysis of fatigue behaviour in zones containing

local structural discontinuities
Local structural discontinuities which act as stress concentrators may be evaluated by the use of
theoretical or experimental stress concentration factors (determined in accordance with annex Z II
for experimental stress concentration factor).
Except for the case of crack like discontinuities and specific piping geometries for which specific
values are given in G 3680, no fatigue strength reduction factor greater than 5 need be used.

G 3234.8 Thermal stress ratchet

The wall of a vessel subjected simultaneously to a constant pressure and to cyclical temperature
variations may undergo large deformations as a result of thermal ratchet. This is a special
progressive deformation mechanism in which deformation increases by approximately the same
amount for each cycle. The condition which follows is intended to limit deformation of the entire
vessel, measured by variations in dimensions, and shall be checked in areas where the membrane
stress caused by pressure is classified as primary general membrane stress, in compliance
with G 3232.2.
a) In the case of an axisymmetrical shell loaded by a steady-state internal pressure difference, the
limiting value of the maximum cyclic thermal stress permitted in a portion of the shell to prevent
cyclic growth in the diameter is as follows:
let :
 = maximum allowable range of thermal stress,
m = maximum general membrane stress due to pressure,
Sy = yield strength read on tables Z I 2.1 and Z I 2.2 for the maximum temperature reached
during the cycle.
 m
let: y  and x
Sy Sy

* It is permissible to use 1.5 Sm whenever it is greater than Sy

1) If the temperature variation is linear through the wall:

y' = 1 x for 0 < x  0.5
y' = 4 (1 - x) for 0.5 < x < 1

G 3000 / 24  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

2) If the temperature variation is parabolic through the wall:

y' = 5,2 (1 - x) for 0.615  x  1
and for x < 0.615:
x 0.3 0.4 0.5
y' 4.65 3.55 2.7

b) Use of yield strength Sy in the above relations instead of the proportional limit allows a small
amount of growth in diameter during each cycle until strain-hardening raises the proportional
limit to Sy. If the yield strength of the material is higher than is the endurance limit for the
material, the latter value shall be used if there is to be a large number of cycles, because strain
softening may occur. The endurance limit is defined as being twice the stress Sa at 106 cycles in
the fatigue curves of annex Z I.

G 3234.9 Deformation limits

Any deformation limits prescribed by the equipment specification shall be satisfied.

G 3235 LEVEL B CRITERIA FOR CORE SUPPORT STRUCTURES

OTHER THAN THREADED STRUCTURAL FASTENERS
For components operating within the temperature limits of SECTION I of the RCC-M, the
requirements of a) and b) below apply :
a) The values of level A shall apply for level B criteria. In addition, if a pressure under the
conditions for which level B criteria are designated exceeds the design pressure difference, the
stress intensity limits of G 3234.1 shall be multiplied by a factor of 1.1
b) Any additional requirements given by the equipment specification shall be satisfied.

G 3236 LEVEL C CRITERIA FOR CORE SUPPORT STRUCTURES

OTHER THAN THREADED STRUCTURAL FASTENERS
All of the following criteria shall be satisfied. The stress intensity limits are summarized by
table G 3236.1.

G 3236.1 Primary stress intensity limits

a) The general primary membrane stress intensity (Pm) shall not exceed 1.5 times the allowable
basic stress intensity Sm (Sm values are established by G 3232.7).

b) The general primary membrane plus primary bending stress intensity (Pm + Pb) shall not exceed
2.25 times the allowable basic stress intensity Sm (Sm values are established by G 3232.7).

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 25
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 3236.2 External pressure

The permissible equivalent static pressure shall be taken as 150% of that permitted by level O
criteria. Where dynamic pressures are involved, the permissible external pressure shall be limited to
one half the dynamic instability pressure.

G 3236.3 Special stress limits

The permissible values for special stress limits shall be taken as 150% of the values established
in G 3238.

G 3236.4 Deformation limits

Any deformation limits prescribed by the equipment specification shall be satisfied (note 9 of
table G 3236.1).

G 3237 LEVEL D CRITERIA FOR CORE SUPPORT STRUCTURES

OTHER THAN THREADED STRUCTURAL FASTENERS
If any service loading is specified for which level D criteria are designated, the rules contained in
annex Z F may be used.
Stresses due to seismic loads shall be combined with stresses due to other loads. The procedure for
level O limits and, in particular, requirements on the signs of stress values shall be used.
The calculated stress shall not exceed 200% of the stress limits given in G 3238.

G 3238 SPECIAL STRESS LIMITS FOR CORE SUPPORT STRUCTURES

OTHER THAN THREADED STRUCTURAL FASTENERS
The rules in this paragraph are extended to cover special conditions or configurations. In the event
of conflict between the rules and other stress limits, a case-by-case justification shall be made.

G 3238.1 Limits applicable to bearing stresses

a) The average bearing stress resulting from the maximum load experienced during operating
conditions, for which compliance with level A and B criteria are required by the equipment
specification, shall be limited to the yield strength of the material at the corresponding
temperature. Where the distance to a free edge is larger than the distance over which the load is
applied, the bearing stress limit is 1.5 Sy.
For clad surfaces, the yield strength of the base material may be used if, in calculating the
bearing stress, the bearing surface is taken as equal to the lesser of the following values:
- the actual area of contact with the cladding,
- the area of the base material supporting that surface.

G 3000 / 26  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

b) When bearing loads are applied near a free edge, and particularly at a protruding edge, the
possibility of shear failure shall be considered. In cases where there are only load-controlled
stresses (G 3222 e), the average shear stress shall be limited to 0.6 Sm.
In the case of load stress plus secondary stress, the average shear stress shall not exceed the
limits given in 1) or 2) below:
1) For materials for which note 2 of table Z I 1.2 is applicable, this limit shall be equal to the
lesser of the two following values:
- 0.5 Sy at 40°C,
- 0.675 Sy at the temperature under consideration.

2) For all other materials, this limit is equal to 0.5 Sy at the temperature considered.
For clad surfaces, if conditions are such that shear failure could occur entirely within the
cladding, the above requirements shall apply to both materials.
In cases where shear failure could occur partially in the clad material and partially in the base
metal, the above requirements shall apply to both materials.

c) Bearing stresses shall be limited to Sy at the temperature under consideration for pins or other
similar parts. This limit shall be raised to 1.5 Sy if no credit is given to the bearing area within
one pin diameter from a plate edge.

G 3238.2 Limits applicable to shear stresses

a) The average primary shear stress across a section loaded in pure shear, under operating
conditions for which compliance with level A and B criteria is required (for example: pins, keys,
shear rings, screw threads, etc.) shall be limited to 0.6 Sm.

b) The maximum primary shear stress experienced under the above conditions shall be limited to
0.8 Sm. The stress concentrations at the periphery of a circular solid section in torsion shall not
be taken into account in this verification.
Primary plus secondary and peak shear stresses shall be converted into stress intensities (equal to
2 times the pure shear stress). The limits in G 3234.2 and G 3234.5 shall not be exceeded.

G 3238.3 Progressive deformation in non-integral connections

Non-integral connections such as threaded caps or plugs, breach lock closures, etc. are subjected to
progressive deformation, particularly by bell mouthing and ratcheting insofar as the relative
positions of the mating members of these connections can be different at the end of each stress
cycle if the stress exceeds the yield strength. As a result, the primary plus secondary stress
intensities (G 3234.2) which may produce slippage between the parts of the non-integral
connections and which may, after progressive distortion, give rise to disengagement of the
assembled parts, shall be limited to Sy (see G 3232.7).

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 27
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 3238.4 Limits applicable to the sum of the three primary stresses

The algebraic sum of the three primary stresses shall not exceed 4 Sm:
1 + 2 + 3  4 Sm

G 3238.5 Rules applicable to nozzle piping transition

The following is acceptable for nozzle piping transitions.
The sum of membrane stresses and the average value of bending stresses in the wall thickness
resulting from pressure difference, applied external loads and moments shall be considered as
general primary membrane stress (Pm) for that part of the nozzle that lies within the limits of
reinforcement * given by G 3233.3.
* Whether or not nozzle reinforcement is provided.

G 3238.6 Application of elastic analysis for stresses beyond the yield strength
Certain allowable stresses permitted in this subchapter are such that the maximum stress calculated
on an elastic basis may exceed the yield strength of the material. The limit on primary plus
secondary stress intensity of 3 Sm (G 3234.2) has been placed at a level which assures shakedown
to elastic action after a few repetitions of the stress cycle except in regions containing significant
local structural discontinuities or local thermal stresses and which are subject to
elastoplastic cycling.
Local structural discontinuities and local thermal stresses are considered in the performance of a
fatigue evaluation.
Therefore:
a) In evaluating stresses for comparison with the stress limits on other than fatigue allowables,
stresses shall be calculated on an elastic basis.
b) In evaluating stresses for comparison with fatigue allowables, all stresses except those which
result from local thermal stresses (G 3222.f) shall be evaluated on an elastic basis.
The local thermal stresses (G 3222.f.2) shall also be calculated by elastic analysis taking the
following value for Poisson's ratio.
Sy
ν  0.5  0.2 but not less than 0.3
Sa
where:

Sy = the yield strength of the material at the mean value of the temperature of the cycle (tables
Z I 2.1, Z I 2.2 and Z I 2.3).

Sa = the value obtained from the applicable design fatigue curve (Z I 4.0) for the specified
number of cycles.
This modification of Poisson's ratio shall not be made when the correction factor Ke ther of the
thermal element Sp ther of the total stress Sp is used as defined in G 3234.6.

G 3000 / 28  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 3240 APPLICATION OF OTHER METHODS OF ANALYSIS

The rules of this paragraph may be applied in lieu of some requirements in G 3230.

G 3241 DEFINITIONS
a) Collapse load
The collapse load is the load required for permanent plastic deformation to equal elastic
deformation as defined in ZII 143. It may be evaluated either by means of elastoplastic analysis
or by tests.
The lower bound collapse load can be obtained by use of limit analysis defined below.

b) Limit Analysis
The deformation of a structure made of elastic, perfectly plastic material in areas without bound
for a loading level termed collapse load. Limit analysis can be used for derivation of a lower
bound to the collapse load (LL) when based on the following theorem.
A given load is less than or equal to the collapse load if there is a stress distribution which
everywhere satisfies the equilibrium and nowhere exceeds the material yield strength. This is
true whether the maximum shear stress theory (Tresca Criterion) is used or if the distorsion
energy theory (Mises Criterion) is used to account for multiaxial effects.

c) Stress ratio method

The methods of plastic analysis which utilize the stress ratio combinations are used to compute
the maximum load a strain-hardened material can carry. Stress ratio combinations are useful
since the actual shape factor (function of cross-section) and the type and magnitude of different
stress fields may be considered in determining the load.

G 3242 LIMIT ANALYSIS

a) Level O criteria
The limits on primary membrane stress intensity (G 3233.1) and primary membrane plus
primary bending stress intensity (G 3233.2) need not be satisfied at a specific location if it can
be shown, by means of limit analysis or by tests, that the specified loading does not exceed:
- two thirds of the lower bound limit load (LL) except for those materials of table Z I 1.2 to
which note 2) of that table is applicable;
- for those latter materials, the product of the applicable permanent strain limiting factor
(obtained from table Z I 2.4) of the lower bound collapse load LL for materials of table
Z I 1.2 to which note 2) of that table is applicable.
The lower bound collapse LL is determined with material yield point equal to 1.5 times the
allowable stress intensity Sm at temperature (Sm is given in tables Z I 1.1, Z I 1.2 and Z I 1.7).

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 29
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

b) Level C criteria
The limits of G 3236.1, relative to primary membrane stress intensity Pm and membrane plus
bending Pm + Pb stress intensity resulting from the conditions for which level C criteria are
designated, may be exceeded if it can be demonstrated by limit analysis that the corresponding
stress intensities do not exceed the lower bound collapse load LL.

c) Level D criteria
The rules contained in annex Z F may be used.

G 3243 ELASTOPLASTIC ANALYSIS

a) Level A criteria
The limits on:
- primary plus secondary stress range (G 3234.2),
- thermal stress ratcheting (G 3234.8),
- progressive deformation of non-integral connections (G 3238.3),
may be exceeded in certain regions provided that the requirements of 1) and 2) below are met
and if all other stress limits are derived from elastic analyses.

1) The overall behaviour of the region under consideration shall be analysed using a cyclic
elastoplastic approach, with the actual behaviour (elastic, then plastic) of the material taken
into account. The design is acceptable if plastic shakedown (symbolized by SL) occurs at as
sufficient number of cycles (as opposed to progressive deformation). In addition, the
deformation occurring before shakedown shall not exceed specified limits.

2) For fatigue analysis a Salt value shall be determined for each condition subjected to a cyclic
elastoplastic analysis using the following relation:
1
Salt  E c  t
2
where:
Ec is the modulus of elasticity at the mean value of the temperature of the cycle,
εt is the total strain range (see G 3234.6) determined by the elastoplastic analysis covered
in 1) above.

b) Level C criteria
Elastoplastic analysis may be used in lieu of elastic analysis to evaluate primary stress intensities
under conditions for which level C criteria are designated. The limits below shall then apply:
1) The general primary membrane stress intensity (Pm) shall not exceed 1.5 times the allowable
basic stress intensity (Sm) at temperature where Sm is as specified in G 3232.7.

G 3000 / 30  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

2) The general primary membrane plus primary bending stress intensities (Pm + Pb) shall not
exceed the greater of:
- either one half of the ultimate strength value at temperature,
- or 2.25 times the allowable basic stress intensity value (Sm) at temperature as specified in
G 3232.7.

c) Level D criteria
The rules contained in annex Z F may be used.

G 3244 STRESS RATIO METHOD

a) Level C criteria
The stress ratio method may be used in lieu of elastic analysis under conditions for which level
C criteria are designated. The limits below shall then apply:
1) Primary membrane stresses shall not exceed SE where SE  2 Sm.
2) The stress intensity limits for other stress fields shall be specified later.

b) Level D criteria
The rules contained in annex Z F may be used.

G 3245 EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS

a) General
In using this method, account shall be taken of the size effect and dimensional tolerances which
exist between the actual part and the test part, as well as differences which may exist in the
ultimate strength or other governing material properties of the actual part and the tested parts to
assure that the loads obtained from the test are a conservative representation of the load-carrying
capability of the actual structure under postulated service loadings. Generally, experimental
analysis shall comply with annex Z II.

b) Level O criteria
Evaluation of primary membrane plus primary bending stress intensity by elastic analysis need
not be performed if it can be shown from the test of a prototype or model that the specified loads
(dynamic or static equivalent) do not exceed 0.44 times Lu where Lu is the ultimate load or the
maximum load (or load combination) used in the test.

c) Level C criteria
Evaluation of primary membrane plus primary bending stress intensity by elastic analysis need
not be performed if it can be shown from the tests on a prototype or model that the specified
loads (dynamic or static equivalent) do not exceed 0.6 Le where Le is the ultimate load or the
maximum load (or load combinations) used during the test.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 31
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 3250 CRITERIA FOR THREADED

STRUCTURAL FASTENERS
G 3251 GENERAL
a) The rules of this paragraph apply to mechanical connections joining parts in core support
structures located within a pressure-retaining barrier.

b) The allowable basic stress intensity value Sm and yield strength value Sy for threaded structural
fasteners shall be the values given in tables Z I 1.0 and Z I 2.0.

c) The special stress limits of G 3237 do not apply to threaded structural fasteners.
For connections joining parts of the pressure retaining boundary, see B 3250.

d) Any deformation limit prescribed in the equipment specification shall be met.

G 3252 LEVEL O CRITERIA FOR THREADED STRUCTURAL FASTENERS

The average stress due only to design mechanical loads applied to the fastener shall be no greater
than Sm where Sm is determined at design temperature.

G 3253 LEVEL A AND B CRITERIA FOR THREADED STRUCTURAL FASTENERS

The stress intensity limits are summarized in table G 3253.1.
The total axial load transferred through the fastener threads shall not change sign during the
specified service loading. The stresses due to preload shall be considered during the stress
evaluation required by this paragraph.
The number and cross-sectional area of threaded structural fasteners shall be such that the
requirements of this paragraph are satisfied.

G 3253.1 Average stress

Requirements a) to d) below shall be met:
a) The maximum value of the membrane stress intensity averaged across either the area of the
fastener shank or the tensile stress area of the threads, shall be no greater than:
1) The lesser of the values below:
- 0.9 Sy where Sy is determined at service temperature,
- 2/3 Su where Su is determined at service temperature
if elastic analysis is used

G 3000 / 32  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

2) 0.67 LL if limit analysis is used (G 3242).

3) 0.44 Lu if experimental analysis is used (G 3245).

b) The average shear stress across the threads when loaded in pure shear shall be no greater than
0.6 Sy, where Sy is determined at operating temperature.

c) The average value of bearing stress under the fastener head shall be no greater than 2.7 Sy where
Sy is determined at operating temperature.

d) If a tight joint is required, the stress due to preload shall be greater than that due to primary and
secondary membrane stress excluding preload.

G 3253.2 Maximum stress

a) The maximum primary membrane and bending plus secondary membrane and bending stress
intensities, produced by the combination of all primary loads and secondary loads but excluding
effects of stress concentrations, shall be no greater than 1.33 times the limits of G 3253.1 a).

b) The maximum value of membrane stress intensity under tightening shall not be greater than
1.2 times the limits of G 3253.1 a) at installation temperature.

G 3253.3 Fatigue analysis of threaded structural fasteners

Unless threaded structural fasteners meet the conditions of G 3234.5 c) and thus require no fatigue
analysis, their suitability shall be determined in accordance with the procedures below.
a) If Su  700 MPa
Fasteners made of materials which have specified minimum tensile strengths less than 700 MPa
shall be evaluated by fatigue analysis using the methods of G 3234.7, using the applicable
fatigue curves of annex Z I 4.0 and a fatigue strength reduction factor of not less than 4.0 unless
it can be shown by analysis or tests that a lower value is appropriate.

b) If Su > 700 MPa

High-strength fasteners may also be evaluated for fatigue analysis using the methods of
G 3234.7, using the applicable fatigue curves of annex Z I 4.0, provided:
1) the fatigue strength reduction factor is not less than 4.0,

2) the maximum value of primary and secondary stresses, including preload, at the periphery of
the fastener cross-section (resulting from direct tensions, plus bending and neglecting stress
concentrations) does not exceed 0.9 Sy, where Sy is determined at operating temperature,

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 33
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

3) threads have a minimum thread root radius no smaller than 0.076 mm.
4) Fillet radius at the ends of the shank is such that the ratio of fillet radius to shank diameter is
not less than 0.06.

c) Usage factor
The usage factor shall be determined and limited in accordance with G 3234.5 d).

G 3254 LEVEL C CRITERIA FOR THREADED

STRUCTURAL FASTENERS
a) Criteria associated with the method used and described in the paragraphs listed below shall be
satisfied when level C criteria are required in the equipment specification:
- G 3236.1 for elastic analysis,
- G 3242 b) for limit analysis,
- G 3243 b) for elastoplastic analysis,
- G 3244 a) for stress ratio analysis,
- G 3245 c) for experimental analysis.

b) In addition, for high strength fasteners (Su > 700 MPa), the requirements of G 3252 and G 3253
shall be satisfied.

G 3255 LEVEL D CRITERIA FOR THREADED

STRUCTURAL FASTENERS
The requirements of G 3237 shall be met under all sets of conditions for which the equipment
specification requires satisfaction of level D criteria.

G 3000 / 34  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

TABLE G 3231.1

CLASSIFICATION OF STRESS FOR SOME TYPICAL CASES

CORE
ORIGIN TYPE OF CLASSIFI-
SUPPORT LOCATION
OF STRESS STRESS CATION
STRUCTURE

General membrane Pm

Shell plate Pressure difference

Gradient through Q
remote from plate thickness
Cylindrical or discontinuities
spherical shell Membrane Q
Axial thermal gradient
Bending Q

Junction with Membrane Q

Pressure difference
head or flange Bending Q

External load or General membrane

moment, or pressure averaged across full Pm
difference section
Any section
across entire Bending across full
shell section. Stress
External load or
component Pm
moment
Any shell or perpendicular to
head cross-section

External load or Membrane Q

Near nozzle or
moment, or pressure Bending Q
other opening
difference Peak (fillet or corner) F

Temperature
Membrane Q
Any location difference between
Bending Q
shell and head

General membrane Q
Crown Pressure difference
Dished or Bending Q
conical head Knuckle or Membrane Q (1)
Pressure difference
junction to shell Bending Q
General membrane Pm
Centre region Pressure difference
Bending Pb
Flat head
Membrane Q
Junction to shell Pressure difference
Bending Q

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 35
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

TABLE G 3231.1 (Continued)

CLASSIFICATION OF STRESS FOR SOME TYPICAL CASES

CORE
ORIGIN TYPE OF CLASSIFI-
SUPPORT LOCATION
OF STRESS STRESS CATION
STRUCTURE

Membrane (average Pm
through cross-section)
Typical ligament
Pressure difference
in a uniform Bending (average Pb
and external load
Perforated pattern through width of fig.
head or shell ligament, but gradient
through plate).

Membrane Q
Isolated or
Pressure difference Bending F
atypical ligament
Peak F

Cross-section External load or

General membrane Pm
perpendicular to moment, or pressure
Bending Pm
nozzle axis difference
General membrane Pm
Nozzle Membrane Q
Pressure difference
Bending Q
Nozzle wall Peak F
Membrane Q
Differential expansion Bending Q
Peak F
Membrane F
Cladding Any Differential expansion
Bending F

Stress due to linear

equiv. bend portion Q
Radial thermal (3)
Any Any
gradient (2)
Stress due to non-
F
linear portion

Any Any Any Stress concentration F

NOTES APPLICABLE TO TABLE G 3231.1

1 - Consideration must also be given to the possibility of wrinkling and excessive deformation in shells with a
large diameter-to-thickness ratio.

2 - Consider the possibilities of thermal stress ratchet.

3 - Equivalent linear stress is defined as the linear stress distribution which has the same net bending moment as
the actual stress distribution.

G 3000 / 36  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

TABLE G 3234.1

STRESS CATEGORIES AND LIMITS OF STRESS INTENSITIES

FOR LEVEL A CRITERIA

NOTES TO TABLE G 3234.1

(1) See G 3234.2.
(2) Sa is obtained from the fatigue curves of annex Z I 4.0. The full range is 2 Sa.
The fatigue curves of annex Z I 4.0 where developed primarily for low-cycle fatigue conditions common in
pressure vessels. For core support structure applications that involve high-cycle vibratory conditions, the
effects of high-cycle fatigue and the effects of mean stress on fatigue strength where N > 106 cycles shall be
considered. Test data to extend the fatigue curves for application to core support structures are in the course of
preparation. Values of Salt, calculated on an elastic basis, shall not exceed the Sa value associated with
10 cycles when using the fatigue curves of annex Z I 4.0.
(3) The symbols Pm, Pb, Q and F may represent either stress intensities or loads, depending on the type of
analysis used.
(4) See G 3243.a.
(5) See G 3238.4.
(6) See G 3212.c.
(7) When the loads are transiently applied, consideration should be given to the use of dynamic load amplification.
(8 LL is defined in G 3241.b.
(9) Lu is defined in G 3245.a.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 37
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

TABLE G 3236.1

STRESS CATEGORIES AND LIMITS OF STRESS INTENSITIES

FOR LEVEL C CRITERIA

Notes to table G 3236.1

(1) The symbols Pm, Pb, Q and F may represent either stress intensities or loads, depending on the type of analysis
used.
(2) See G 3236.2.
(3) See G 3238.4.
(4) LL is defined en G 3241.b.
(5) Su =ultimate strength at temperature (see tables Z I 3.1, Z I 3.2 and Z I 3.3).
(6) Elastoplastic-evaluated nominal primary stress. Strain hardening of the material may be used for the actual
monotone stress-strain curve at the temperature of loading, or any approximation or the actual stress-strain
curve which everywhere has a lower stress for the same stress as the actual monotone curve may be used.
Either the maximum shear stress theory (Tresca criterion) or the distorsion energy theory (Mises criterion)
shall be used to account for multi-axial effects.
(7) Le is defined in G 3245.b).
(8) See G 3241.c).
(9) When deformation is of concern in a structure, the deformation shall be limited to two-thirds of the specified
value.
(10) When loads are transiently applied, consideration should be given to the use of dynamic load amplification and
possible change in modulus of elasticity.

G 3000 / 38  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

TABLE G 3253.1

STRESS INTENSITY LIMIT FOR DESIGN OF THREADED

STRUCTURAL FASTENERS

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 39
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 3300 CORE SUPPORT STRUCTURE DESIGN

G 3310 DESIGN FOR WELDED CONSTRUCTIONS

a) The term "category" as used herein defines the location of joints covered here (see G 1000). The
categories established in this paragraph are for use in all of this subsection to identify special
restrictions regarding the "type" of joint. Each category is defined below in G 3320.
b) The "types" of joints which may be used at the various locations are defined in G 3330.

G 3320 JOINT CATEGORIES

G 3321 JOINTS OF CATEGORY A
Joints of category A are longitudinal joints for assembling cylindrical members. Category A joints
are of type I.

G 3322 JOINTS OF CATEGORY B

Joints of category B are girth joints for assembling cylindrical members. Category B joints may be
of types I or II.

G 3323 JOINTS OF CATEGORY C

Joints of category C are primarily for joining flanges to cylinders. Category C joints may be of
types I or II.

G 3324 JOINTS OF CATEGORY D

Joints of category D are primarily for attaching nozzles to other members. Category D joints may be
of types I, II, III, IV, V, VI or VII.

G 3325 JOINTS OF CATEGORY E

Joints of category E are for attaching stiffeners or attachments. Category E joints may be of types I,
II, III, IV, V, VI or VII.

G 3330 PERMISSIBLE TYPES OF WELDED JOINTS

Subject to the limitations given in G 3320, core support structures may use any of the types of joints
described in the following subparagraphs, providing the quality factor, n, and fatigue factor, f, used
in the weld analysis, meet the requirements of table G 3330.1 for the method of examination
employed. The allowable stress limit for primary and secondary categories are multiplied by the
quality factor n to obtain the applicable stress limit.

G 3000 / 40  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

In performing a fatigue analysis, multiply the alternating stress intensity by the fatigue factor, f,
designated in table G 3330.1 and use the applicable fatigue curve in tables Z I 4.1 and Z I 4.2.
All joint types below shall use continuous weld.

G 3331 TYPE I JOINTS

Type I joints are welded joints and shall satisfy a) to d) below.
a) They shall either joint elements that lie in the same plane or have an offset angle not greater
than 30°.
b) They shall be full-penetration welds.
c) Both faces shall be accessible and shall meet the requirements of S 7460 and S 7714.
d) They shall be made as double-welded butt joints, or with consumable inserts or gas back-up, or
with backing strips that are later removed.

G 3332 TYPE II JOINTS

Type II joints are welded joints and shall satisfy all conditions a) to d) below.
a) They shall be either joint elements that lie in the same plane or have an offset angle not greater
than 30°.
b) They shall be full-penetration welds.
c) Their back face shall not be accessible.
d) They shall be made with either:
- consumable inserts or gas back-up, or
- metal backing strips which are not later removed.
(When used, backing strips shall be continuous and any splices shall be full-penetration welded.
Otherwise, edges of the joint shall be prepared with opposing lips to form an integral
backing strip).

G 3333 TYPE III JOINTS

Type III joints are full-penetration welds between elements having an offset angle of 30° to 90°.
There are two categories of type III joints.
a) Type III-a joints:

- type III-a joints have both faces accessible and shall be made in accordance with S 7460
and S 7714,

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 41
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

- type III-a joints shall be double-welded full-penetration welds made either with weld inserts
or gas back-up, or with metal backing strips that are later removed.

b) Type III-b joints:

- type III-b joints are welds with back faces not accessible,
- type III-b joints shall be made:
. either using weld inserts or gas back-up, or
. with metal backing strips that are not later removed.
(When used, backing strips shall be continuous and any splices shall be full-penetration
welded. Otherwise, edges of the joint shall be prepared with opposing lips to form an integral
backing strip).

G 3334 TYPE IV JOINTS*

Type IV joints are partial-penetration butt or angle welds of double groove design (minimum depth
of each groove equals 1/8 times the thickness of the thinnest element). The area of the connection is
determined as the product of the throat thickness times the length of welds.

G 3335 TYPE V JOINTS*

Type V joints are double-fillet angle welds. The area of the connection is determined as the product
of the theoretical throat thickness times the length of the welds. Joints having one side a single fillet
and the other side a single groove are also type V joints.

G 3336 TYPE VI JOINTS*

Type VI joints are partial-penetration butt or angle welds of single groove design.
The area of the connection is determined as the product of the weld throat thickness times the
length of the weld.

G 3337 TYPE VII JOINTS*

Type VII joints are single fillet angle welds. The area of connection is determined as the product of
the theoretical throat thickness of the fillet welds times the length of weld.

* - Girth welds around solid elements shall be considered to be type IV or V joints (double welds).

- Girth welds around tubular elements shall be considered to be either type IV or V joints or type VI or VII joints
depending on stress behaviour of the finished parts and especially on its stiffness.

G 3000 / 42  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

TABLE G 3330.1

PERMISSIBLE WELDED JOINTS AND DESIGN FACTORS

(n = quality factor f = fatigue factor) (1)

NOTES

(1) See G 3330 for definitions.

(2) A fatigue of 1.0 is permitted when both sides of welds are examined, otherwise a factor of 2.0 must be
used in fatigue analysis.

The cross-hatched areas indicate that the combination (category, type, examination) are not applicable.

 n° 137-2012 G 3000 / 43
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 3000 / 44  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 4000

FABRICATION AND
ASSOCIATED EXAMINATION

G 4100 GENERAL

This chapter covers fabrication operations subsequent to acceptance of procured materials.

The requirements given in this chapter are the minimum requirements which must be met.
By reference to SECTIONS II, III, IV and V and subsection A of SECTION I, a summary is made
of documents required for production control, the preliminary requirements prior to commencing
product fabrications, and preliminary qualification for fabrication and examinations

G 4200 PRELIMINARY DOCUMENTS AND

REQUIREMENTS FOR FABRICATION
AND EXAMINATION

G 4210 DOCUMENTS
The documents to be provided are specified in paragraph G 1200.

G 4220 PROCUREMENT OF PARTS AND PRODUCTS

Parts and products shall be procured in accordance with the requirements of chapter G 2000.

G 4221 MANUFACTURER'S VERIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE

REPORTS AND IDENTIFICATION
In preparation.

G 4222 STORAGE
In preparation

 n° 137-2012 G 4000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 4230 ACCEPTANCE AND QUALIFICATION

G 4231 WELDING
Before starting welding operations, the Manufacturer shall perform all verifications, acceptance
testing and qualification specified in S 1000. A welding data package shall be established in
accordance with S 1120.

G 4232 FORMING, SURFACE TREATMENTS

Before starting forming or surface treatment, the Manufacturer shall perform the qualifications
specified in F 4100 for forming and in F 5000 for surface treatments.

G 4233 NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION

Non-destructive examination personnel shall be qualified and certified in accordance with the
requirements of MC 8000.

G 4240 WORK AREAS

When work areas are required, either in the workshop or on site, such areas shall meet the
requirements of F 6000.

G 4300 FABRICATION OPERATIONS

G 4310 GENERAL
Fabrication shall meet the requirements of this paragraph which, when necessary, shall refer to the
appropriate chapters of SECTIONS III, IV and V of the RCC-M.

G 4320 MARKING
The identification of parts and welds shall meet the requirements of G 1300 and shall be conducted
in accordance with F 2000.

G 4330 CUTTING, REPAIR WITHOUT WELDING

The requirements of chapter F 3000 shall be applicable in their entirety.

G 4000 / 2  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 4340 FORMING AND ALIGNMENT

The minimum requirements of F 4200 and F 4300 (for class 1 components) shall be applicable to the
geometrical tolerances on formed components and to the alignment of component parts joined
by welding.

G 4350 SURFACE TREATMENTS

Reference text: F 5000.
The equipment specification shall specify how the requirements of this chapter are to be met.

G 4360 CLEANLINESS
a) The requirements of F 6000 shall be met.
b) The equipment specification may stipulate supplementary requirements.

G 4370 HEAT TREATMENTS

Heat treatments associated with fabrication (bright annealing or heat treatment for dimensional
stability of austenitic stainless steel parts), when specified by the Manufacturer, shall be performed
in accordance with the requirements of F 8400.

G 4400 WELDING AND ASSOCIATED TECHNIQUES

G 4410 GENERAL
Chapter S 7000: "PRODUCTION WELDS", shall be applicable (all paragraphs covering class I
components) subject to the additional requirements and modifications contained in this paragraph
and to compliance with the requirements of G 3000.

G 4420 STORAGE AND USE OF WELDING PRODUCTS

Reference text: S 7200.

G 4430 PREPARATION AND EXAMINATION OF EDGES

AND SURFACES TO BE WELDED
Reference text: S 7300 (paragraphs applicable to class 1 components).

 n° 137-2012 G 4000 / 3
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 4440 WELDING OF PRODUCTION WELDS

The requirements for class 1 components given in S 7400 shall be applicable. In addition, the
following supplementary requirements shall be met:
a) S 7432 b) shall not be applicable.
b) S 7435: the requirements for the use of backing strips, inserts and socket welds are given
in G 3300.
c) S 7440: peening of welds is prohibited.
d) S 7540: stress relieving heat treatment. The heat treatments covered by F 8410 are not considered
to be equivalent to stress relieving heat treatment as specified in S 7540 and S 3200 § 6C).

G 4450 REPAIR BY WELDING

Reference text: S 7610.
When the extent of weld repairs is such that the dimensional stability may be impaired during final
machining, retreatment may be necessary.

G 4460 NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION

OF PRODUCTION WELDS
This paragraph specifies the methods, extent, time and criteria for non-destructive examination of
production welds.

G 4461 VISUAL EXAMINATION AND DIMENSIONAL CHECK

Visual examination and dimensional checks shall comply with the requirements of S 7461 for
class 1 welds.

G 4462 OTHER NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATIONS

Non-destructive examinations stipulated for weld joints, in accordance with table G 3330.1, shall be
performed in compliance with the requirements of this paragraph.
a) Method
- Liquid penetrant examination shall be performed in accordance with MC 4000.
- Radiographic examination shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of
MC 3000 or in accordance with the method specified in G 5000.
- Ultrasonic examination of cladding shall be performed in accordance with the requirements
of MC 2700.

G 4000 / 4  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

b) Extent of examination
Where examination is specified for a weld joint or cladding, the areas involved shall be those
specified in S 7712 subject to the following modification for category C welds where
radiographic examination is performed: (In preparation).
Liquid penetrant examination of the surface of completed welds shall be performed on both the
front and the reverse side of type I and type III a welds.

c) Time of examination
- During welding (see S 7713.1).
- After welding has been completed:
Examinations upon completion of the weld shall be performed after weld finishing and
surface preparation as specified in MC 3000.
- It is recommended that examination be performed subsequent to heat treatment for
dimensional stability, where such heat treatment is performed.

d) Criteria
The acceptance criteria for the non-destructive examination of welds shall be as specified in
S 7714 for each given examination method.

G 4470 DESTRUCTIVE TESTS

PRODUCTION WELD TEST COUPONS
The requirements of S 7800 shall be applicable to reactor internals subject to the following addition
to S 7820.
For longitudinal welds on core shells one production weld test coupon shall be made:
- per welding procedure qualification,
- per workshop (except where qualification has been transferred in accordance with S 6500),
- for the internals of each reactor vessel.

G 4480 HARDFACING BY WELD DEPOSITION

OF COBALT-BASE ALLOYS
Reference text: S 8000.

 n° 137-2012 G 4000 / 5
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 4000 / 6  n° 137-2012
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 5000

EXAMINATION METHODS
NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATIONS

G 5100 GENERAL

This chapter describes special methods of non-destructive examination which are to be used in
addition to or in place of the examination methods described in SECTION III.

G 5200 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF WELDS

G 5210 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF WELDS ON THICK

WALLED TUBES USED AS SPACERS OR EXTENSION
PIECES WHOSE DIAMETER IS LESS THAN 100 mm
The specific techniques described below may be used in addition to the examination methods
specified in chapter MC 3000 of SECTION III.

G 5211 FRONT FILTERING

A front filter is not obligatory. Class C1 or C2 film systems shall be used. Cassette composition
shall be as follows:
- X-rays at a voltage  100 kV and  400 kV: front, back, and sandwiched (optional) intensifying
lead screens greater than or equal to 0.025 mm in thickness, double film technique
- Iridium 192 source: front, back, and sandwiched lead screens greater than or equal to 0.05 mm in
thickness, double film technique.

G 5212 POSITION OF THE RADIATION SOURCE

One of the following two methods shall be used:
a) A radiation source shall be placed in the plane of the weld, on the outside of the tube and the film
on the inside; as many exposures as necessary shall be made.
b) radiation source shall be placed in the plane of the weld centre, the centre of the tube and
geometric unsharpness shall comply with table MC 3143.1.b.1.

 n° 137-2012 G 5000 / 1
RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection G

G 5213 INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

Radiographs resulting from these radiographic examinations shall be interpreted according
to MC 3312.5.2.b.

G 5214 CENTRED SOURCE OF IRIDIUM 192

For the case where the Iridium 192 source is placed in the plane of the weld centreline at the centre
of the tube:
- the number of exposures may be limited to one,
- a centring device shall be used to collimate the test-pertinent portion of the beam of radiation. The
shape of this device shall be such that film blackening is only possible when the source is in the
plane of the centreline of the weld,
- due to the small radius of the tubes, single-film viewing shall be acceptable,
- in this case, on each film the radiographic density through the centreline of the weld shall be
greater or equal to 2.2 and be compatible with the luminance of film illuminators used in industry.
Maximum film density shall not, however, exceed 4.5.

G 5220 RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF WELDS ON REACTOR

PRESSURE VESSEL INTERNAL STRUCTURES
The methods to be used are described in chapter MC 3000 of SECTION III, after addition of the
following rider to MC 3312.4:
The use of films systems up to class C3 included are permitted for the radiographic examination
with iridium 192 of butt welds.

G 5300 LIQUID PENETRANT

EXAMINATION OF WELDS

G 5310 HOT LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION

BETWEEN PASSES
In preparation.

G 5000 / 2  n° 137-2012