Neutron shielding qualities and gamma ray buildup factors of concretes containing limonite ore

Neutron dose transmissions for fast neutrons produced by 5.486 MeV alpha particles on beryllium are measured in concrete samples with and without limonite ore to investigate their neutron shielding qualities. Using measured values, macroscopic removal cross-sections (ΣR, cm−1) have been determined experimentally and also ΣRvalues have been calculated theoretically using the elemental composition of the concrete mixes. The best neutron shielding property of concrete sample containing 100% limonite ore (FCL: fine and coarse limonite) was found. Additionally, energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) and exposure buildup factor (EBF) of concrete sample were calculated using the five-parameter Geometric Progression (G-P) approximation in the energy range of 0.015-15 MeV for penetration depths up to 40 mean free path (mfp). The incident photon energy and penetration depth dependence of buildup factors were examined. Finally, we observed that concrete samples have maximum values of buildup factors in the intermediate energy region around 0.1-0.3 MeV. FCL has the minimum values of both of the buildup factors. FCL has the excellent gamma shielding properties compared to the concrete samples.