Gamma and neutrons shielding using innovative fiber reinforced concrete

Concrete is a worldwide structural material. However, extensive research was applied for ductile alternatives due to their poor ductility. Recently, engineered cementitious composite (ECC) was used in several structural applications due to its superior elasticity. ECC comprises cement, pozzolanic material, fine aggregate, water, chemical admixtures, and mono or hybrid fibers by up to 2% by volume fraction. In this research work, mechanical properties and adequacy of ECC to resist gamma radiation and neutrons emission penetrability were experimentally investigated. Furthermore, the effect of partial replacement of traditional fine aggregate with nano-silica on the aforementioned characteristics was explored. Different ECC mixtures were prepared with variant compositions and thickness for gamma and neutron penetration tests. It was observed that the flowability of ECC was generally increased with increasing the percentage replacement of nano-silica. Also, ECC's compressive and tensile strength enhancement can partially replace conventional sand with nano-silica. Furthermore, a well-noticed gamma and neutrons attenuation of up to 63% and 37% were achieved, respectively.