New Containment Building At The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

ronv

Joined Nov 12, 2008
3,770
This project isn't getting much media attention, but it's quite an important engineering achievement:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_New_Safe_Confinement

I'm wondering how the workers are being protected from the radiation that's still escaping from the wreckage of the explosion back in 1986.
Positioning
The NSC was constructed 180 metres (590 ft) west of unit four and slid into place. The actual sliding of the structure along foundation rails is a difficult process. The system to be used in construction of the NSC is derived from civilian bridge launching and bridge cantilever methods.

Two options were initially considered for moving the structure: hydraulic jacks to push the structure forward, or pulling the structure with large, multi-stranded steel cables. However, the first option would require the relocation of the hydraulic jacks after each push. This relocation process would necessitate more worker interaction with the system and a greater worker exposure to radiation. The second option was initially chosen because it would expose workers to a lower radiation dose, and would have moved the structure into its final position in less than 24 hours.

The speed of movement of the completed arches is a maximum of 11.5 meters per hour (about 3 mm/s). Movements are expected to average about 10 meters per hour.
 
Top