Design of concrete mix to improve its properties against nuclear radiation (gamma rays)

This study was carried out for designing a concrete has ability to resist the
effects of nuclear explosions, this leads to discuss theses effects (blast, thermal,
radiation and so on).
The present study has been carried out with a view to establish the basic engineering
data and information about the technology of heavy weight concrete from such local
materials. It can be used as shielding materials against gamma rays because of its
potential properties, radiation attenuation (gamma rays) mechanical characteristics,
durability and economic structural use.
In this study Ilmenite is used as coarse aggregate, serpentine is used as fine aggregate
mixed with normal Portland cement and water, also steel fibers were added with
different percentages.
Different concrete mixes were designed, produced, cured, and tested for compressive,
tensile, flexural, ultrasonic test and bulk density. Admixtures were employed to
improve the mechanical properties. The results showed that the steel fiber Ilmeniteserpentine
heavy weight concrete has good mechanical properties for construction of
nuclear shelters.
Results show that Ilmenite-serpentine heavy weight concrete has a good mechanical
property compared with the ordinary concrete in most of tests specially the tensile and
flexural strengths. It has been found that the ISFHWC can be produced with a
maximum density of the order 3.35 t/m3.
Also results show that the effect of Ilmenite-serpentine heavy weight concrete of
suitable thickness provides adequate protection against nuclear radiation emitted
during nuclear burst, specilly gamma rays, ordinary concrete can be used for shielding
but excessive thickness may be required. The choice of suitable materials will
improve the attenuation of radiation and reduce the required thickness. In this study
gamma rays of different energies were used to study the attenuation properties of
Ilmenite-serpentine heavy weight concrete. Experimental measurements have been
carried out to study the gamma rays attenuation of different types of Ilmeniteserpentine
heavy weight concrete.