Evolution of ARC-100 Reactor Building - Cost and Schedule Benefits

Abstract

The inaugural ARC-100 small modular reactor is planned to be built at the Point Lepreau site in Maces Bay, New Brunswick. This demonstration unit will be a first-of-a-kind commercial application, with subsequent units also planned for this site. Throughout the CNSC Vendor Design Review (VDR) process, the ARC-100 Reactor Building (RB) design has been modified to achieve cost and schedule savings. ARC’s design vendors have studied the most efficient means of reactor building construction, providing significant reductions in construction schedule time. This is achieved through applying construction techniques such as the Vertical Sinking Shaft Machine (VSM) into the erection of the ARC-100 RB and incorporating modular construction when viable. Additionally, design decisions for the reactor building itself have dramatically reduced the amount of safety-related concrete required, while providing better pressure retaining capability. This paper will explore the details of ARC’s reactor building and plant design, and how it has evolved to minimize schedule and cost implications.