Cracks and other defects

1994/06/01 Rodriguez Ibabe, Jose Maria Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Teknologia

Events that often occur in the technological field are of great importance in our society. If there is an accident due to design or use failure, the statements made in the media are often very interesting. Unfortunately, on more than one occasion these statements are not based on technical concepts but on other kinds of interests and approaches. Through this work we want to highlight the treatment of the news that are disseminated in the media.

In the news of recent months we cannot forget the data of the cracks found in the Zorita nuclear power plant. After the publication of the information, they immediately began to give their answers. For some economic authorities related to the plant, cracks and other errors did not question the future of the plant. Likewise, for some human groups it is unthinkable to reactivate the plant. Both in one case and in another, the responses were carried out prior to the completion of comprehensive technical analyses.

There was also another type of accident much closer geographically. A worker died as a result of an accident in the construction of the Andoain/Irurtzun highway. When they gave the news the next day in some newspapers they proposed some “reasons”. Some were quite light.

Accidents and failures are associated with technological development. However, technological progress has a solid foundation in the investigation of failures and subsequent improvements. The implementation of this process requires that the will and capacity of the technical and economic authorities be adapted to this. It should also be considered that the main obstacles to this path are spontaneous responses to social and media pressures.

In the case of the center of chance, it is necessary to recognize that security forces to make concrete and rigorous decisions and to find answers to many questions. This can only be achieved through thorough research, for which highly qualified technical teams should participate.

When an investigation is launched as a result of an accident or major breakdown, problems of a different nature may appear. Without questioning that the technical team created is capable of carrying out the work, participants will have to face two types of problems. On the one hand, before the accident or breakdown occurs, they should try to know the technical history of the component, that is, how the working conditions of the component were in reality (and not depending on the design) (situations of tension and deformation, temperature changes, effects of corrosion, habitual incidents at work, etc. ). To do this, all variables that may have relevance in the operation of the component will be measured. All this is accomplished in very few cases.

On the other hand, the decisions or technical proposals of the group should be made without taking into account the interests of the different institutions or persons. The nature of these interests in the case of the Zorita is very clear.

In short, accidents, failures and breakdowns that occur in technology cannot be analyzed without the same technology. Once these studies have been carried out, those responsible must make decisions, considering social, economic aspects, etc. but not the other way around. Unfortunately in our society, before starting technical studies, the “reasons” are published.