Photon attenuation coefficients and shielding effects of Jordanian building materials

Highlights: • The mass attenuation coefficients were calculated for the 50–3000 keV gamma-ray energy. • Values obtained were used to evaluate the protection provided by different building. • Significant benefits could be achieved in using the basement and lower floors. - Abstract: The present study was conducted to investigate the attenuation properties of building materials commonly used in Jordan. The photon interactions with materials of interest were discussed in terms of mass attenuation coefficients for the 50–3000 keV gamma-ray energy range. The linear attenuation coefficients were measured at several photon energies using a NaI(Tl) detector and a narrow beam geometry technique. The values obtained were used to evaluate the shielding provided by different construction styles, against a hypothetical release of radioactive material as a function of the photon energy of the released material. The results obtained revealed that wall mass thickness and material chemical compositions, of the investigated construction styles, are crucial factors in shielding against radiation. An exterior wall with mass thickness of 52 g/cm², attenuates more than 98% of the incident photons of energy 662 keV. Moreover, the addition of a high density limestone layer to the face of a concrete wall, has increased its shielding effectiveness by about 10%