Investigation of gamma radiation attenuation in heavy concrete shields containing hematite and barite aggregates in multi-layered and mixed forms

The purpose of this study is to make a concrete shield for gamma rays using barite and hematite gradation in separate, mixed and multi-layered forms. Nuclear and mechanical properties of these concrete shields were measured. The results showed that increasing the barite and hematite aggregates, either in separated or mixed form, increases the linear attenuation coefficient and 28-day compressive strength. It was found that the order of the layers in multi-layered shields has no significant effect on the attenuation of gamma radiations. In equal conditions the integrated mixed concrete shield showed better effects in attenuation of radiations than layered one.