CONVENTIONAL BUILDING MATERIALS AS PROTECTIVE RADIATION BARRIERS
A study was made of the radiation shielding provided by various conventional building materials. An x-ray unit, provided with a diaphragm that could be adjusted for square or rectangnlar fields, was used as the source. Structural panels of 8 typical wall materials were tested. These panels ranged in thickess from a thin gypsum plaster wall to a thick cinder block and Portland cement mortar wall. Radiographs were made of representative areas of each wall section. The transmission data were converted to lead equivalents and also to concrete equivalents. A schematic sketch is included of a typical radiographic room presenting typical shielding situations. Data are tabulated on the thickness of lead which would have to be added to a particular wall to provide adequate shielding when using the various types of construction. It is concluded that the shielding effect of masonry walls is sufficient to provide useful barriers for many applications. Walls of conventional building materials should be considered in shielding calculations even though they may not provide all the shielding necessary in a given wall. A considerable reduction in the amount of lead required will usually be effected. (C.H.)
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co., Milwaukee
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-012411
- OSTI ID:
- 4081462
- Journal Information:
- Radiology (U.S.), Journal Name: Radiology (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 76; ISSN RADLA
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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