article · Nuclear Analysis
An evaluation of fifteen standard and hybrid concrete formulations was carried out to assess their protective capabilities against photon and neutron radiation. Using computational tools including MCNP, Phy-X, and XCOM, critical shielding metrics were determined, such as the mass attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, mean free path, fast neutron removal cross section, and neutron transmittance. Iron-Portland concrete proved most effective for photon attenuation, achieving a half-value layer of 2.244 cm at 1.33 MeV, outperforming ordinary concrete by 42 percent and barite concrete by 57 percent. Iron-Limonite concrete also demonstrated strong photon attenuation. For neutron shielding, Iron-Limonite and Ferro-phosphorus concretes exhibited the highest fast neutron removal cross sections, reaching up to 0.146 inverse centimetres. Hybrid formulations, including Luminite-Colemanite-Barite, offered balanced attenuation against both radiation types, confirming the utility of high-density concrete mixes for safety applications.
Facilities using nuclear technologies or radioactive sources require robust shielding to protect personnel and surrounding environments. Identifying optimal concrete formulations allows designers to select materials tailored to specific radiation hazards, balancing protection against both high-energy photons and fast neutrons. Computational validation helps refine shielding design before physical construction.
This research informs civil engineering firms, shielding material manufacturers, and designers of nuclear or medical radiation facilities on mix selection. Because the findings are based on computational evaluations using MCNP, Phy-X, and XCOM rather than reported physical manufacturing and operational testing, the work sits at an early, analytical stage of development prior to commercial deployment.
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This study evaluates fifteen concrete formulations, including standard and hybrid types such as Barite, Iron-Limonite, and Luminite-Colemanite-Barite, to determine their effectiveness in shielding against photon rays and neutrons. Using computational tools like MCNP, Phy-X, and XCOM, key shielding parameters were analyzed, including the Mass Attenuation Coefficient, Half-Value Layer, Mean Free Path, Fast Neutron Removal Cross Section, and Neutron Transmittance. In photon shielding, Iron-Portland concrete demonstrated superior performance, achieving the lowest Half-Value Layer (HVL) of 2.244 cm at 1.33 MeV, which is 42% better than Ordinary concrete and 57% better than Barite concrete. Iron-Limonite also showed strong photon attenuation with a Mean Free Path (MFP) of 3.23 cm at 1.33 MeV. For neutron shielding, Iron-Limonite and Ferro-phosphorus concrete recorded the highest Fast Neutron Removal Cross Section (FNRCS) values, reaching up to 0.146 cm⁻ 1 , indicating their strong capability to attenuate fast neutrons. Additionally, hybrid concretes like Luminite-Colemanite-Barite provided balanced protection against both photon and neutron radiation. This study highlights the effectiveness of high-density concretes in radiation shielding and underscores the alignment between deterministic and stochastic computational tools used, reinforcing their applicability in enhancing radiation safety. • The study assessed fifteen concrete formulations for shielding effectiveness against photons and neutrons. • Iron-Portland concrete had the best photon attenuation with an HVL of 2.244 cm at 1.33 MeV. • Iron-Limonite and Ferro-phosphorus concrete excelled in neutron attenuation with the highest FNRCS values. • Consistency between MCNP, Phy-X, and XCOM tools validated the accuracy of the shielding evaluations.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.nucana.2025.100152
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