R-CODE software for the support of calculations required by the R5 and R6 procedures

The R6 Procedure and the ‘Assessment procedure for the high temperature response of structures’, R5, are well known and continue to be developed by Nuclear Electric Ltd in the UK. This paper looks at the software that has been developed to help undertake the calculations required by these assessment procedures. R-CODE version 3.00 computerises creep crack growth and incorporates simplified creep-fatigue crack growth calculations. The program may also be used to perform assessments according to PD6539 and PD6493 or BS7910. Full allowance can be made for incubation and redistribution periods. Continuum damage may be evaluated in terms of life fraction or ductility exhaustion methods. The program covers all the Categories, Options and Failure Assessment Diagrams of R6, for defining stability under short-term loadings when used for low temperature assessments.