Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: a094549d-8685-4dad-b90f-c28c7d279a53
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Geologic and Geotechnical Site Characterization Investigations for Nuclear Power Plants + HISTORY – HISTORY 08/2021 – DG-1392 , Proposed Revision 3 07/2014 – Periodic Review of Revision 2 – Reviewed with no issues identified 02/2001 – DG-1101 , Proposed Revision 2 (Rev. 3)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2119/ML21194A176.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-05
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.132
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
s Geologic characteristics include, but are not limited to, the following: • Lithology and other distinguishing features of rock units at the surface and in the subsurface. Depositional and tectonic deformation features include bedding planes, faults and shear zones, joints, and foliation surfaces, the orientations of which are needed for characterization of the features. • Nature, degree, and extent of weathering at the surface and in the shallow subsurface. Weathering-related characteristics include soil type, presence of expanding soils, and karst features that are active or relict (sinkholes and dolines, disappearing streams, caverns, and subsurface voids not detectable at the surface). • Potential for soil liquefaction and evidence for paleoliquefaction. • Natural hazards that include seismic events, surficial and blind faults, landslide potential, nontectonic deformation, susceptibility to erosion, sea level rise, flooding, tsunami, seiche, and storm wave action. Appendix A to this guide lists special geologic features and conditions that might need to be investigated during site characterization, either as office-based or field studies. DG-1392, Page 9 2.2 Engineering Properties of Soils and Rocks Engineering properties of soil and rock include static and dynamic properties such as density, moisture content, strength parameters, elasticity, plasticity, hydraulic conductivities, rock joint characteristics, seismic velocities, and degradation properties associated with strain. Some of these properties can be measured in situ, and those measurements, together with sample collection methods, are discussed in this guide. Determination of these and other engineering properties also requires laboratory testing, which is described in RG 1.138. 2.3 Ground Water Conditions Ground water conditions that can impact the engineering design, performance, and durability of the foundations and structures should be determined. These conditions include ground water