Comparative study of two methodologies for structural shielding design of imaging facilities

The present study aimed at showing which implications can be found in structural radiation shielding design, depending on the calculation method adopted. Two methods were analyzed: one that considers the sum of thickness contributions, and other that considers the sum of unshielded air kerma contributions. To compare the results, a case analysis was done. A hypothetical radiographic room, which contains a table of exam and a chest bucky, was considered. The thickness contribution method presented the highest results, reaching a maximum relative difference of 85% from the results of the 147 National Council of Radiation Protection and Measurements, and 57% from the unshielded air kerma contributions method. (author)