Preparation and Performance Study of Radiation-Proof Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

• Published in: Coatings (Basel) Vol. 13; no. 5; p. 906
• Main Authors: Zhou, Min, Yang, Tengyu, Li, Jinhui, Qiu, Bing, Qiu, Wenjun, Li, Baiyun, Shu, Benan, Gong, Jinhua, Guo, Lixian, Li, Yongling
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 11.05.2023
• Subjects: Absorptivity; Admixtures; Aggregates; Cement; Compressive strength; Concrete mixing; Durability; Flexural strength; Gamma rays; Ilmenite; Mechanical properties; Medical research; Nuclear energy; Nuclear power plants; Nuclear safety; Particle size; Radiation; Radiation protection; Radiation shielding; Raw materials; Sand; Strength testing; Tensile strength; Test methods; Titanium; Ultra high performance concrete; Workability
• ISSN: 2079-6412; 2079-6412
• DOI: 10.3390/coatings13050906

With the continuous development of nuclear technology, it is necessary to urgently solve the nuclear safety problem. γ-rays have a strong penetrating power. The γ-ray-shielding performance of ordinary concrete prepared with natural sand is weak and cannot meet the practical application of engineering. The γ-ray shielding performance of concrete can be effectively improved through the use of titaniferous sand with a better γ-ray protection effect. To prepare ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) that can provide radiation protection, the influence law of its performance was investigated. The effects of ilmenite sand on the workability, mechanical properties, durability, and radiation-shielding properties of UHPC were investigated via mix testing, compressive strength and flexural strength testing, and a radiation-shielding simulation. The results show that an appropriate amount of ilmenite sand can improve the ultra-high-performance concrete’s work performance; however, ilmenite sand has little effect on its compressive strength. Although it is not conducive to the development of flexural and tensile strength, the γ-ray shielding performance of the UHPC increases with an increase in the addition of ilmenite sand. When the titanite sand admixture is 70%, the γ-ray linear absorption coefficient of the prepared UHPC is 0.158 cm−1, and the γ-ray shielding performance is significantly improved; meanwhile, its durability performance is excellent.