Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 1859c547-c10c-4ce4-ad2e-e54f7b66d4ef
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Laboratory Investigations of Soils and Rocks for Engineering Analysis and Design of Nuclear Power Plants + HISTORY – HISTORY 07/2014 – DG-1256 , Proposed Revision 3 08/2001 – DG-1109 , Proposed Revision 2 (Rev. 3)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1318/ML13186A032.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.138
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CFR Title: 

Content:
gation program should be flexible and tailored to each site and plant design as the site and laboratory investigations proceed. Experienced engineers and geologists who have demonstrated competence in the field of soil and rock mechanics testing and familiarity with the site should direct the site investigation program. Specific testing requirements and details of testing procedures will depend on the nature of the soils and rocks encountered. Normally, the investigation should follow testing procedures that are generally known and accepted because they are easy to reproduce and their effects on test results are well understood. Depending on the nature of the soil and rock material, it may be more appropriate and desirable to modify existing standard procedures; however, it is important to describe such test procedures fully so that other investigators can reproduce the test and verify the results. Appendix A shows the laboratory procedures for some of the most common tests, with related references. Harmonization with International Standards The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has established a series of safety guides and standards constituting a high level of safety for protecting people and the environment. IAEA safety guides present international good practices and increasingly reflects best practices to help users striving to achieve high levels of safety. Pertinent to this regulatory guide, IAEA Safety Guide NS-G-6, “Geotechnical Aspects of Site Evaluation and Foundations for Nuclear Power Plants,” (Ref. 7) provides guidance on the methods and procedures for analyses to support the assessment of the geotechnical aspects of the safety of nuclear power plants. DG-1256, Page 4 C. STAFF REGULATORY GUIDANCE 1. Laboratory Testing Program 1.1. Laboratory Facilities a. Laboratory facilities for soil and rock testing should include adequate test space, temperature controlled areas, and adequate ventilation and airflow. Separate areas, and preferably