Radiation shielding properties of a novel cement–basalt mixture for nuclear energy applications

• Basalt fiber is a relatively cheap material that can be used as reinforcement.
• Gamma-ray attenuation remains relatively stable with addition of basalt fiber.
• Neutron attenuation remains relatively stable with addition of basalt fiber.
• Cement–basalt mixture has a good potential for use in nuclear energy applications.

The radiation shielding properties of a new proposed building material, a novel cement–basalt fiber mixture (CBM), are investigated. The authors analyze the possibility of this material to be a viable substitute to outgoing materials in nuclear energy applications, which will lead to a further sustained development of nuclear energy in the future. This computational study involves four types of concrete with various amounts of basalt fiber in them. The gamma-ray shielding characteristics of proposed CBM material are investigated with the help of WinXCom program, whereas the neutron shielding characteristics are computed by the Serpent code. For gamma-ray shielding, we find that the attenuation coefficients of concretes with basalt fibers are not notably influenced by the addition of fibers. For neutron shielding, additional basalt fiber in mixture presents negligible effect on neutron radiation shielding. With respect to radiation shielding, it can be concluded that basalt fibers have good potential as an addition to heavyweight concrete for nuclear energy applications.