Skanska has been appointed by Rolls-Royce SMR to deliver an aseismic bearing pedestal demonstrator for its small modular reactor (SMR).
The structural isolation device plays a critical role in decoupling buildings and infrastructure from ground motion during seismic events, significantly enhancing safety and resilience.
The component will be delivered from Skanska’s fabrications facility in Doncaster. A prototype of the aseismic bearing pedestal will also be built to allow standardisation of the Rolls-Royce SMR design across a range of geotechnical and seismic conditions.
Commenting on the announcement, Adam McDonald, executive vice-president at Skanska UK, said: “We’ll be bringing our civil engineering, design and fabrications expertise to build and test a first-of-its-kind precast bearing pedestal – a critical component for Rolls-Royce SMR in building new nuclear power generation.
“Over the coming months, we’ll develop the prototype and run various technical trials at our Bentley Works facility in Doncaster. We are looking forward to playing our part in developing the next generation of nuclear energy.”
Last June, Rolls-Royce SMR was selected as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first SMRs. The announcement followed a two-year competition process to select nuclear technology and suppliers for deployment in the UK.
Ruth Todd, operations and supply chain director at Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “Working with Skanska is a significant step forward in proving the capability of our aseismic bearing technology and demonstrating our modular approach to construction.
“By working with a trusted delivery partner, we are de-risking our ‘fleet-based’ approach and creating opportunities for more British and Czech suppliers to play a key role in the Rolls-Royce SMR mission.”
