Potential uses of different sustainable concrete mixtures in gamma and neutrons shielding purposes

Gamma and neutron radiation causes severe effects on human health; many nuclear accidents led to radiation leakage affecting the environment and human health during the last century. Therefore, a great need for radiation shielding is now in demand. Concrete is the main constituent in any shielding design. This research investigates the mechanical properties of traditional concrete mixtures incorporating ilmenite or tourmaline aggregates. The crushing value of tested aggregates, along with the compressive and tensile behavior of concrete samples, was evaluated. Test results showed a general reduction in compressive and tensile strength of ilmenite concrete compared to conventional concrete by up to 18.2% and 27.5%, respectively. In contrast, tourmaline concrete achieved superior compressive and tensile strength than its conventional counterpart by up to 26.23% and 23.79%, respectively. The new concrete samples (Ilmenite and Tourmaline) are used in gamma and neutrons emission attenuation. Results show high gamma attenuation for both ilmenite (23–73%) and Tourmaline (32–79%). As for neutrons, the attenuation when using ilmenite was (9–37%) and for Tourmaline (13–42%).