Photon attenuation properties of some concretes containing barite and colemanite in different rates

Highlights: ► Concrete samples were produced by including barite and colemanite in different rates. ► Mean free path values of gamma rays in samples decreased with increasing barite rate. ► Photon attenuation coefficients depend on density of samples. ► Experimental results were compared with theoretical results were obtained from Penelope and WinXCom computer programs. ► The concrete samples with barite and colemanite are effective for shielding gamma rays. -- Abstract: Radiation shielding properties of concretes containing barite and colemanite in different rates were evaluated by using 133Ba (80.99 and 303 keV) and 241Am (59.54 keV) radioactive sources. Gamma rays were counted by a NaI(Tl) detector with a resolution of 122 keV at 662 keV. The study reveals that the concretes under research are effective than ordinary concrete for the attenuation of gamma rays. It was determined that the values of mean free path decreased with the increasing concentration of barite and colemanite and the linear attenuation coefficients increased with the increasing concentration of barite and colemanite in the concrete. Theoretical values were obtained by using Penelope and WinXCom computer programs and these were compared with the experimental results.