PECULIARITIES OF CONCRETE USED IN ATOMIC POWER PLANTS

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1960 · Silikat Tech.

OSTI ID:4803608

Hampe, E

The screening effect of concrete against radioactivity and heat is largely dependent on tts composition. Absorption of gamma rays due to the photoeffect, pair production, and Compton effect requires large and heavy atoms of the protective medium. Wall thickness may be low if the concrete density is sufficiently high. Absorption of neutrons is effected by elastic collision with light atoms of the radiation protection medium and subsequent capture of the slowed neutrons by atoms having a large neutron cross section. The neutron energy converted into gamma radiation must be absorbed as well. Therefore, concrete used for protection against neutron radiation must have components of low atomic weight, aggregates with a high water content, and a highly water- absorbent cement. For the purpose of protection against both neutron and gamma radiation, it is nccessary to use concrete with heavy aggregates with a high content of crystal water (limonite and goethite), and highly water-absorbent cements, such as magnesium oxysulfate and magnesium oxychloride. The strength of concrete used for radiation protection must not be affected by absorption of heat and radiation. Heavy concrete may be produced by three processes: Application of the method used for normal concrete is difficult since, due to the heavy weight of the components, inhomogeneities frequently occur when mixing, transporting, and pouring the concrete into the planking. In addition, the heavy components have a pulverizing action in mixing and, thus, change the grain size; the wear and tear of the mixers is considerable, and shrinkage may occur as well. In the injection method, the aggregates which may have any weight, are poured into the planking, after which the mortar, prepared with heavy sand, is pressed in. (OTS)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-16-006754
• OSTI ID: 4803608
• Journal Information: Silikat Tech., Journal Name: Silikat Tech. Vol. Vol: No. 12
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ABSORPTION
ATOMS
CEMENTS
CONCRETES
CROSS SECTIONS
GAMMA RADIATION
MAGNESIUM CHLORIDES
MAGNESIUM SULFATES
MASS NUMBER
METALS, CERAMICS, AND OTHER MATERIALS
NEUTRONS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PREPARATION
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION PROTECTION
THICKNESS
WATER
WEIGHT