Finding a full, free PDF of the RCC-M (Design and Construction Rules for Mechanical Components of PWR Nuclear Islands) can be tricky because it is a proprietary standard managed by AFCEN (French Association for Design, Construction and In-Use Inspection Rules for Nuclear Island Components). Official Source (Paid)
Section III: Establishes methods for destructive and non-destructive examination (like ultrasonic testing).
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AFCEN Official Library: This is where you can purchase the full RCC-M 2024 or RCC-M 2022 editions. Note that these are highly technical and expensive professional standards. Free Overviews and Technical Summaries
The full code is a proprietary document and typically requires a paid subscription or individual purchase. You can find official access options here: AFCEN Official Store Finding a full, free PDF of the RCC-M
The calculation of RCC material consumption is generally divided into three primary components: Concrete (Volume), Steel (Weight), and Shuttering (Surface Area).
| Check | RCC‑M Clause | How to perform it |
|-------|--------------|-------------------|
| Allowable Stress (σ_allow) | §4.1 – “Design stress limits” | Retrieve the material’s allowable stress from the RCC‑M material tables (or from the supplier’s certificate). Apply the appropriate temperature factor (k_T) and radiation factor (k_R). |
| Thickness Verification (t_min) | §3.2 – “Minimum wall thickness” | Use the formula t_min = (P·R)/(σ_allow·E - 0.6·P) where P = design pressure, R = internal radius, E = joint efficiency (usually 1.0 for seamless). |
| Weld Joint Efficiency (E) | §5.1 – “Weld quality” | Choose E = 0.85 for full‑penetration butt welds (qualified) or E = 0.7 for fillet welds, unless a higher efficiency is justified by a welding procedure qualification record (WPQR). |
| Fatigue Assessment | §5.4 – “Cyclic loading” | Perform a S‑N curve analysis using the appropriate material class (e.g., 1E, 2E). Use the Goodman or Gerber criteria, with a fatigue factor of safety ≥ 1.5 (per Annex D). |
| Thermal‑Shock & Creep | §4.5 – “Thermal loadings” | Verify that the combination of thermal gradient and stress does not exceed the creep‑rupture limit for the service temperature. | The full code is a proprietary document and
The official and most secure way to obtain the RCC-M code is through the AFCEN (French Association for Design, Construction and In-Service Inspection Rules for Nuclear Island Components) website.