Design concepts to minimize the activation of the biological shield of light-water reactors

An investigation, concentrating on the nuclear aspects, has been made into the concept of minimizing the activation of the biological shield by substituting the material concrete with other neutron-shielding materials. This work was for nuclear plant designs which have a non-supporting inner shield wall such as that in the General Electric BWR/6 and the Kraftwerk Union PWR. The attenuation performance and activation levels have been analysed. Based on this analysis the performance of the materials in relation to that of concrete was assessed. Other non-nuclear properties were considered but the engineering problems were not addressed. The conclusion reached was that the concept was credible but would require a more rigorous examination in terms of structural design, economics and licensability