Development of a neutron-activated concrete powder reference material

In this paper, the development of a neutron-activated concrete powder reference material is described. The material originated from core samples taken from a concrete bioshield of a decommissioned nuclear reactor which ceased operation almost 30 years ago after approximately 20 years of operation. The assigned values, which were in the Bq g−1 range, for the radionuclides in the material were determined by a ‘consensus’ method from measurements made by 33 organisations from 15 countries. The measurements were made within a wider test exercise (the NPL Environmental Radioactivity Proficiency Test Exercise 2008). Assigned specific activity values were obtained for 60Co, 133Ba, 152Eu and 154Eu and indicative values were obtained for 3H (total), 3H (leachable), 14C, 40K, 55Fe and 63Ni.