New ASME Rules for Spent Nuclear Fuel and High Level Radioactive Material and Waste Storage Containments

In 2004, a new Code Case, N-717, of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Code) will be published. The new Code Case provides rules for construction of containments used for storage of spent nuclear fuel and high level radioactive material and waste. Some time after publication, CC N-717 will be incorporated into the body of the Code. This paper provides an informative insight to the Code Case so that Owners, regulators, designers, and fabricators have a more comprehensive understanding.