This study reviews the definitions and related investigation guides on the capable fault used in nuclear industry of U.S.A., Japan, China and IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), and proposes the draft on the Korean-specific definitions and investigation guides of capable fault. These are based on the review results and the specifically geological data obtained from recently performed multidisciplinary researches at and around Korean NPP (Nuclear Power Plant) sites.

This paper also includes a review of the investigation ranges and depths for the capable fault evaluation, and technical backgrounds used in nuclear industry of U.S.A., Japan, China and IAEA. The Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) has been continuously performing a long- term research project to set forth Korean-specific definitions and investigation guides of the capable fault applied in NPP siting. Criteria and guides related to capable fault currently applied to Korean NPPs are principally based on the Appendix A of 10 CFR Part 100 "Seismic and Geologic Siting Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants" of the U.S.A.