Hazards/Seismic
Seismic (Vibratory Ground Motion)
Seismic hazards arise from earthquake-induced vibratory ground motion that can challenge the structural integrity of nuclear power plant buildings, systems, and components. Earthquakes are among the most consequential external hazards for nuclear facilities because strong ground shaking can simultaneously affect multiple safety systems, potentially leading to loss of offsite power, structural damage to safety-related structures, and impairment of cooling water systems. Seismic hazard characterization, structural and equipment fragility analysis, and seismic probabilistic risk assessment are well-established disciplines with extensive industry guidance and regulatory requirements.
Seismic PRA
A comprehensive wiki dedicated to seismic probabilistic risk assessment is available at the EPRI Seismic PRA Wiki. That resource covers seismic PRA methodology, fragility analysis, seismic hazard curves, and related topics in detail. It does not address design-basis seismic considerations, deterministic analysis methods, or the broader seismic hazard characterization topics that this wiki intends to cover.
EPRI technical point of contact: Chris Rochon (CRochon@epri.com)
Date last reviewed: 2026-05-27