Advanced 3D-CAD and its application to state-of-the-art construction technologies in ABWR plant projects

Abstract

Since the first nuclear power plant (NPP) was constructed in the 1960s, more than 50 NPPs have been built in Japan. As an active player in the field of NPP construction, Hitachi, Ltd. (now, Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd. (HGNE)) has constructed 22 of these Japanese NPPs till 2009. Through this extensive experience, HGNE has developed and applied its own advanced technologies, including a unique 3D-CAD-based integrated plant engineering environment and streamlined design-to-manufacturing/construction management system. These technologies have been continuously improved with the evolution of HGNE's construction management philosophies, often providing an enabling force to greater achievements in project performance. In addition to the latest ABWR Shika-2 completed in 2006, HGNE is currently leading two more ABWR construction projects, Shimane Unit 3 and Ohma Unit 1, both of which are on target for an "On-Budget and On-Schedule completion". In this chapter, the state-of-the-art engineering and construction technologies established on the advanced 3D-CAD platform, currently being applied to these projects, are introduced. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.