Gamma ray and neutron shielding properties of some concrete materials

Shielding of gamma-rays and neutrons by 12 concrete samples with and without mineral additives has been studied. The total mass attenuation and linear attenuation coefficients, half-value thicknesses, effective atomic numbers, effective electron densities and atomic cross-sections at photons energies of 59.5 and 661 keV have been measured and calculated. The measured and calculated values were compared and a reasonable agreement has been observed. Also the recorded values showed a change with energy and composition of the concrete samples. In addition, neutron shielding has been treated in terms of macroscopic removal cross-section (ΣR, cm−1) concept. The WinXCom and NXcom programs were employed to calculate the attenuation coefficients of gamma-rays and neutrons, respectively.

► This study sheds light on the shielding properties of gamma-rays and neutrons for some concrete samples.
► The experimental mass attenuation coefficients values were compared with theoretical values obtained using WinXCom.
► Moreover, neutron shielding has been treated in terms of macroscopic removal cross-section (ΣR, cm−1) concept.
► The NXcom program was employed to calculate the attenuation coefficients values of neutrons.
► These values showed a change with energy and composition of the concrete samples.