Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 13
Impact Scenarios
Abstract
The possible impact scenarios are considered from accidental aircraft
impacts to deliberate forced impacts. The different relevant aircraft models and
crash scenarios are discussed, including possible approach speed and angle.
13.1 General
To determine the specific effects resulting from an aircraft impact, the possible
scenarios must be considered: which aircraft under which conditions are relevant
for an impact. Beginning in the early 1970s, safety measures were introduced in the
design of nuclear power plants in Germany to take into account the crash of an
aircraft. Before September 11, 2001 it was assumed, however, that the threat of an
airplane crash could only come about accidentally. A deliberate act was not
considered in the design. Only after the attacks on the World Trade Center a
scenario of a deliberate crash of large passenger airplane was considered and its
consequences were examined.
13.2 Accidental Aircraft Impact
An accidental aircraft impact can be put down to an accident resp. a technical or
human error. The probability of such an impact can be seen as very low and is
determined by the quantity of aircraft movement close to the nuclear power plant.
With respect to the effects and the frequency, fast flying military aircraft must be
predominately considered in this case.
The territory of the Federal Republic of Germany is characterized by a dense net
of civil flight routes. On top of this there was a very high density of air traffic due to
