Mechanical properties, attenuation coefficient, and microstructure of ultra high-performance heavyweight concrete for radiation shielding applications

This paper explores the characteristics of ultra-high-performance heavyweight radiation shielding concrete by using many types of radiation-resistant aggregates. The experimental work is carried out in two groups, The first group contains six mixes that are prepared by using barite, basalt, and serpentine as heavyweight coarse aggregate, and the second group contains six mixes that are prepared by using the same percentages of coarse aggregate in the first group while partially replacing the fine aggregates with hematite. The main research aim is to study radiation ab-sorption characteristics using 60Co sources that discharge 1.25 MeV photons. Linear attenuation coefficient, half-layer value, and tenth-layer value layers were assessed as radiation absorption characteristics. In addition, the hardened characteristics of all mixes like compressive, tensile, flexural strengths, and modulus of elasticity have been investigated, also, microstructure has been tested. Based on the results, The density of mixtures ranged between 2690 and 3080 kg/m3. The largest value of concrete density was recorded for barite with hematite. Although basalt with hematite gave the maximum compressive strength value of 155.8 MPa. Barite with hematite improved the radiation protection properties compared to basalt with sand by 20 % as the Linear attenuation, HVL, and TVL values became 0.173 cm-1, 4.01 cm, and 13.28 cm respectively.