Risk based analysis of RHPP penstock structural integrity

Abstract

Risk based analysis of reverse hydro power plant penstock structural integrity is performed using fracture mechanics parameters. To assess its structural integrity, extensive testing of the full-scale prototype had been performed, including hydrostatic over-pressurizing, during the design phase. More recently, the Failure Assessment Diagram has been used to evaluate probability, whereas phenomenological analysis has been used to estimate consequence, in the scope of common risk estimation. It is shown that over-pressuring has potential detrimental effect on pipeline safety, i.e. structural integrity.