RCC-M: Content, Working Approach and Future Evolutions

The paper covers the general approach followed by AFCEN, the French Society for Design, Construction and In-Service Inspection Rules for Nuclear Island Components, in codes and standards establishing, from the technical and organizational points of views. The RCC-M code is the major reference code existing since the creation of AFCEN. The presentation highlights how the industrial experience was integrated into the industrial codes, and how codes evolve taking into account the evolution of regulations and European and International standards. Processes for updates, interpretations and inquiries are addressed. Recent code evolutions resulting from the New French Nuclear Pressure Equipment Regulation issued in 2005, as well as from the project needs, are covered and the content of the addenda 2008, 2009, 2010 to the 2007 RCC-M edition are described. Future evolutions are also addressed, giving the frame for the objective of a new RCC-M edition in 2012.