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Production of a datolite-based heavy concrete for shielding nuclear reactors and megavoltage radiotherapy roomsProduction of a Datolite-Based Heavy Concrete
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S.M.J. Mortazavi   , M.A. Mosleh-Shirazi , M. Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi , Z. Siavashpour , A. Farshadi , M. Ghafoori , A. Shahvar |
| , mmortazavi@sums.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (16053 Views) |
| Background: Biological shielding of nuclear
reactors has always been a great concern and
decreasing the complexity and expense of these
installations is of great interest. In this study, we used
datolite and galena (DaGa) minerals for production of
a high performance heavy concrete. Materials and
Methods: Datolite and galena minerals which can be
found in many parts of Iran were used in the concrete
mix design. To measure the gamma radiation
attenuation of the DaGa concrete samples, they were
exposed to both narrow and wide beams of gamma
rays emitted from a cobalt-60 radiotherapy unit. An
Am-Be neutron source was used for assessing the
shielding properties of the samples against neutrons.
To test the compression strengths, both types of
concrete mixes (DaGa and ordinary concrete) were
investigated. Results: The concrete samples had a
density of 4420-4650 kg/m3 compared to that of
ordinary concrete (2300-2500 kg/m3) or barite highdensity
concrete (up to 3500 kg/m3). The measured
half value layer thickness of the DaGa concrete
samples for cobalt-60 gamma rays was much less
than that of ordinary concrete (2.56 cm compared to
6.0 cm). Furthermore, the galena concrete samples
had a significantly higher compressive strength as
well as 20% more neutron absorption. Conclusion:
The DaGa concrete samples showed good shielding/
engineering properties in comparison with other
reported samples made, using high-density materials
other than depleted uranium. It is also more
economic than the high-density concretes. DaGa
concrete may be a suitable option for shielding
nuclear reactors and megavoltage radiotherapy
rooms. Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2010 8 (1): 11-15 |
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| Keywords: Heavy concrete, datolite, shielding, megavoltage radiotherapy, nuclear reactors. |
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Full-Text [PDF 416 kb]
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Medical Physics
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