article · Structural Concrete
This research investigates the individual and synergistic effects of partially replacing cement with micro-scale and nano-scale lead monoxide and granodiorite powder to improve concrete performance. Mixes were tested for mechanical strength and gamma-ray attenuation against uranium-238 and cesium-137 using a portable gamma-ray spectrometer. Adding lead monoxide directly improved radiation attenuation, with optimal individual performance at 5% replacement, though higher micro-scale doses lowered compressive strength. Granodiorite powder consistently supported both radiation attenuation and mechanical strength at 4% nano-scale and 7% micro-scale replacement ratios. The highest overall performance was achieved through a combined mix of 5% nano lead monoxide and 4% nano granodiorite, which produced simultaneous increases of 25.7% in compressive strength, 16.2% in tensile strength, and 44.7% in the linear attenuation coefficient relative to the control concrete.
Facilities handling radioactive sources, such as nuclear energy sites and healthcare radiotherapy departments, require robust radiation barriers. Developing concrete that integrates mineral and metal oxide nanoparticles allows structural elements to provide superior gamma-ray protection without compromising structural integrity. This approach can enable stronger radiation shielding, potentially reducing the required wall thickness and bulk material consumption in specialized building projects.
This research provides applied and tested laboratory formulations that could interest specialist construction material suppliers, nuclear engineering contractors, and medical infrastructure developers. The technology demonstrates demonstrated efficiency in sample concrete mixtures. Moving towards practical application will require industrial-scale sourcing of nano-additives, field batching trials, long-term durability testing, and compliance validation against radiological building and safety codes.
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Abstract This study investigates the individual and combined effects of micro and nano lead monoxide (PbO) and granodiorite (GD) on concrete's mechanical and radiation shielding properties. Both materials were partially substituted for cement at varying ratios. Additionally, mixtures with optimal radiation shielding performance were prepared to explore the synergy of combining them. The mentioned materials are used for the first time in an extensive study at the nano scale to investigate their impact on concrete's mechanical properties, microstructure, and gamma radiation attenuation. Two gamma ray sources of uranium (U 238 ) and cesium (Cs 137 ) were used measure the radiation attenuation coefficients for all designed concrete mixes. A simple methodology was followed to assess the concrete shields efficiency via utilizing portable handheld gamma‐ray spectrometer that offers two reading modes. Results indicated that increasing the ratio of PbO is directly proportional to the concrete ability to attenuate radiation, where the optimal individual replacement ratios were recorded at 5% for micro and nano particle sizes. At this ratio, the linear attenuation coefficient ( μ ) values were improved by 39.57% and 24.78% for the nano and micro PbO, respectively. Additionally, the optimal ratio for improving mechanical properties was at 3% and 2% for nano and micro PbO, while the higher ratios showed a decline in mechanical properties especially at 5% micro PbO with 7.02% reduction in the compressive strength value. Regarding GD powder, the optimal replacement ratios for improving concrete radiation shielding were consistent with those enhancing its mechanical properties at 4% and 7% in both nano and micro scales, respectively. The combined mixes further enhanced the overall concrete performance, especially its radiation shielding ability. Compared to the control mix, the compressive strength, tensile strength, and μ were increased by 25.7%, 16.2%, and 44.7% at the optimal mixture of 5% nano PbO + 4% nano GD.
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DOI: 10.1002/suco.202400454
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