R6 Assessment of the integrity of structures containing defects 

The R6 document is maintained by the R6 Panel under a Structural Integrity Assessment Procedures collaboration, involving British Energy, BNFL Magnox Generation and Serco Assurance. 

Prior to inclusion in R6, revisions or additions are reviewed by the R6 Panel and by a committee involving British Energy and BNFL Magnox Generation, which assesses their suitability for use in practical defect assessments. Where changes are substantial or novel this has included independent, peer review from recognised experts or bodies such as the UK Technical Advisory Group on Structural Integrity (TAGSI).

R6 is an established, validated procedure for assessing the integrity of structures containing defects against failure under operational or fault loads where creep is not significant. Both mechanical and thermal or other residual loads can be handled and safety margins established.

The latest release of the R6 Procedure is R6 Revision 4  ( two amendments have also been issued. )

Features of R6 include:

Simple 2-parameter graphical approach on a Failure Assessment Diagram

Choice of assessment options - leading to more complex analysis only when necessary

Minimal data requirements

Easy to follow procedure with clear instructions

Modular structure for easy development

Safety factors can be calculated......not hidden in procedure

‘Safety first’  philosophy leads to conservative results

Widely used, accepted and validated procedure