Effect of γ-irradiation on strength of concrete for nuclear-safety structures

Concrete applied for construction of nuclear power plant (NPP) Temelín (Czech Republic) has been exposed to γ-irradiation up to dose 6×105 Gy. Depending on the level of irradiation, changes in strength, porous structure and phase composition of the concrete have been studied. It is found that irradiation lowers both the strength of concrete (about 10%) and volume (resp. surface) of porous space. On the other hand, γ-irradiation increases the ratio of calcite, CaCO3, in the concrete. Observed effects are discussed with respect to safety of NPPs.