Radiation shielding efficiency and optimization of concrete incorporated with bismuth oxide

Abstract Background: To enhance the shielding properties of concrete mixtures, there is a tendency toward using various additives while most of these additives being used either pose hygiene hazards or require special handling processes. Purpose: To ensure the concretes being environmentally friendly and providing sufficient gamma ray radiation shielding efficiency, Bi₂O₃-loaded concrete mixtures are researched and optimized. Methods: Both experimental and theoretical methods were used to calculate the linear attenuation coefficient before using the Taguchi method to optimize concrete's mix proportion which includes cement quantity, water-to-cementitious material ratio, Bi₂O₃ rate and sand ratio. Results:The shielding abilities and mechanical properties of Bi₂O₃-loaded concretes were improved compared with ordinary concrete. There was small inconsistency between results obtained by MCNP5 (Monte Carlo N-Particle 5) program and experiment. Conclusion:It was suggested in the study that the most important parameter affecting the attenuation of the concrete's radiation is the Bi₂O₃ rate while cement quantity is the following factors, and the effects of water-to-cementitious material ratio and sand ratio are negligible. (authors)