An Appropriate Concrete Mixtures to Improve for Nuclear and Radiation Facilities in Thailand

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is looking for suitable local minerals to conduct high density concrete by analysis context factors. Radiation shielding by high density concrete are used in nuclear and radiation facilities. Especially, in cases of new construction or improvement the previous site by changed applications such as wall or ceiling and limited areas should be considered. High density concrete or heavy weigh concrete is designed by using heavy weight aggregates such as ilmenite, barite, magnetite, limonite or hematite etc. The basic definition of high density concrete or heavy weigh concrete should have density greater than 2600 kg/m³ while mix concrete for general construction about 1700 kg/m ³ . Itʼs well known that, more density of concrete is more ability of materials to protect high energy ray and electromagnetic wave such as gamma ray or X-ray. The comparison by linear attenuation coefficient (μ) and density of materials (ρ) are used for verification. However, the context for each country is different situations and resources. The factors for consideration are depended on policy of facilities, radiation safety, finance and physical characteristic besides strength and bearing capacity. The analysis for several dimensions to choose operational options are needed. The result of this paper is an option to improve shielding for radiation safety purpose in Thailand.