Irradiation-induced damage in concrete-forming aggregates: revisiting literature data through micromechanics

• Published in: Materials and structures Vol. 53; no. 3
• Main Authors: Le Pape, Y., Sanahuja, J., Alsaid, M. H. F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.06.2020; Springer Nature B.V; Springer
• Subjects: Aggregates; Building construction; Building Materials; Civil Engineering; Engineering; Fast neutrons; Fluence; irradiated concrete; Machines; Manufacturing; MATERIALS SCIENCE; Micromechanics; Minerals; Modulus of elasticity; Original Article; polycrystalline model; Processes; Radiation damage; Radiation effects; Radiation-induced volumetric expansion; Reaction kinetics; rock-forming minerals properties; Silicon dioxide; Solid Mechanics; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Irradiated concrete; Polycrystalline model; Rock-forming minerals properties; Radiation-induced volumetric expansion
• ISSN: 1359-5997; 1871-6873
• DOI: 10.1617/s11527-020-01489-6

The radiation-induced volumetric expansion (RIVE) of aggregate-forming minerals causes damage in concrete exposed to high levels of fast neutrons fluence ( > ∼ 10 19 n cm - 2 at kinetics energy above 0.1 MeV). Historical post-irradiation RIVE and Young’s modulus data obtained in test reactors were revisited using a polycrystalline homogenization model (self-consistent scheme) accounting for the aggregates’ minerals content and the formation of voids/cracks during irradiation. It was found that the formation of extra voids/cracks can contribute to the aggregate expansion more substantially than the cumulated expansions of aggregate-forming minerals. The rate of void creation appears to be inversely correlated to the silica content, although aggregates of higher silicate contents exhibit higher RIVEs. The loss of Young’s modulus decreases exponentially with the aggregates’ expansion. At a comparable RIVE level, the relative loss of modulus is more significant in aggregates of higher silica content.