RCC-CW:2016

Purpose and scope

RCC-CW describes the rules for designing, building and testing civil engineering works in PWR reactors.

It explains the principles and requirements for the safety, serviceability and durability of concrete and metal frame structures, based on Eurocode design principles (European standards for the structural design of construction works) combined with specific measures for safety-class buildings.

The code is produced as part of the RCC-CW Subcommittee, which includes all the parties involved in civil engineering works in the nuclear sector: clients, contractors, general and specialized firms, consultancies and inspection offices.

The code covers the following areas relating to the design and construction of civil engineering works that play an important safety role:

geotechnical aspects;
reinforced concrete structures and galleries;
prestressed containments with metal liner;
metal containment and pool liners;
metal frames;
anchors;
concrete cylinder pipes;
containment leak tests.

The RCC-CW code is available as an ETC-C version specifically for EPR projects (European pressurized reactor).
Edition available as of January 2017
Edition ETC-C 2010 and 2012

ETC-C 2010, first edition published by AFCEN has been used for the Generic Design Assessment of EPR in UK.

ETC-C 2012 integrates the feedback of Flamanville 3 and of the Generic Design Assessment.
Edition: RCC-CW 2015

Publication of the RCC-CW 2015 code early 2015 is the first edition that AFCEN has prepared and published of a generic civil engineering code that does not relate to any specific project.

It takes account of the latest changes in European standards.

It includes technological possibilities and improvements:

bonded prestressing has been supplemented with unbonded prestressing;
the code covers the design and development of seismic isolation devices;

the section on external hazards has been updated to include tornadoes.

The design approach has been expanded to provide greater focus on the design extension situations in the complementary field.
Edition: RCC-CW 2016

In addition, the following improvements have been incorporated in RCC-CW 2016:

correction of editorial mistakes, including those published as Errata 2016 of RCC-CW 2015;
significant evolution of DANCH chapter to implement the new release of EN 1992-4.