Rowlands Geosciences

Projects

International Nuclear Power Projects

Shin Wolsong, 2006, South Korea

Chashma NPP, Pakistan - 1975-1978
Dr. Rowlands performed the geological and seismological investigations for the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, Pakistan. This work included development of an historical earthquake list, investigations of recent faulting along the margins of the Indus Basin, and regional and local seismological investigations. Other aspects of the work included relocation studies of local earthquakes, assessment of liquefaction potential, development of seismic design criteria, and preparation of the geology and seismology sections of the Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR). Dr. Rowlands directed meetings with clients and made presentations to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

ENEL VI NPP, Italy - 1976-1977
Dr. Rowlands provided site geologic analysis, including structural and stratigraphic analysis for the ENEL VI nuclear power plant, Tarquinia, Italy. The work was done in an effort to assess the presence and magnitude of solution cavities in bedded gypsum and gypsiferous clay and analyze their potential adverse affects on the site.  A finite element analysis of solution cavities was conducted to assess the potential behavior of the cavities during the maximum credible earthquake. It was recommended that the site be abandoned.

Ko-Ri NPP, Units 3, 4, 5, and 6, Korea - 1978-1981
Dr. Rowlands either performed or supervised the geological and seismological investigations for Units 3, 4, 5, and 6, Ko-Ri Nuclear Power Complex, Pusan, Korea.  This work included regional and site investigations, analysis of seismicity, and development of seismic design criteria. Dr. Rowlands supervised the preparation of the Preliminary Safety Analysis Reports and made presentations to the Korean Electric Company, Korean Atomic Energy Commission, and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Ko-Ri NPP, Unit 2, Korea - 1978
While excavating for the foundations for the reactor and turbine buildings a fault was detected in the turbine building excavation for Unit 2. Unit 1, adjacent Unit 2, was in start-up. Dr. Rowlands performed detailed geologic mapping of the excavations (1 inch=10 feet) and identified several faults and igneous intrusions present in the excavations. One fault, however, cut all other faults and intrusions. It was the youngest feature and extended beneath Unit 1. The fault appeared to be capable according to definitions of both the NRC and IAEA. Work for Unit 1 had been done by another consultant. Dr. Rowlands identified the presence of undeformed zeolite mineral pods within the fault zone. Radiometric dating using the K-Ar Method (6 samples) returned ages of approximately 1.2 million years before present. The age of the undeformed samples within the fault zone indicated that the faults were not capable and work proceeded with Unit 2.

Caspian Coast, Iran - 1976
Dr. Rowlands was a member of a team performing geological and seismological analysis for site selection and site investigations for nuclear power plants along the Caspian Sea, from Rasht to Gorgan. The work included geologic mapping, analysis of fault capability, seismic zonation studies, and analysis of results from a ten unit microseismic network.

Kyrsko NPP, Croatia (former Yugoslavia) - 1974
As a consultant to Westinghouse Power Systems Division, Dr. Rowlands performed a geological, seismological and seismic design review for the Kyrsko Nuclear Power Plant, Yugoslavia (Croatia). The project included literature reviews, review of earthquake history, and review of the basis for selection of the design earthquake and the assessment of the peak ground acceleration for the foundation design. Dr. Rowlands participated in design review meetings at the site with representatives of Westinghouse, the IAEA, seismologists from the University of Skopje, and officials of the Yugoslav Power Agency.

       © Rowlands Geosciences