While examining the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the experts found 14 hairline cracks in the welded joints of 12-mm joint plate with the new vent pipe, the Chernobyl NPP press service informs.
"The investigations into the causes of defects are being carried out, involving designers, contractors and customers. The representatives of the Shymanovsky Ukrainian Scientific-Research and Design Institute of Steel Construction and the Paton Electric Welding Institute of the NAS of Ukraine have been involved in the investigation too," the statement says.
Due to the problem, the access to the new vent is temporarily restricted. The workers drilled holes at the ends of structures in order to prevent the development of cracks.
As a reminder, the new vent pipe is being constructed to dismantle the existing one, which prevents from covering the destroyed Chernobyl unit with new safe confinement.
The pipe is made of reinforced concrete structures of the main building of the second phase of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, its height is more than 50 meters, and thickness - 6 meters.
