Comparative study of different concrete composition as gamma-ray shielding materials

The addition of some materials with various fractions in the composition of concrete has provided concrete forms more efficient for gamma ray shielding when compared to ordinary concrete. Selected materials were added and the gamma-ray linear and mass attenuation coefficients, the mean free path and half value layer (HVL) were calculated. These parameters of dosimetric interest have been investigated in the energy range 0.015-15 MeV. The photon interactions with the concretes have been discussed. The blended composition with 39.195% magnetite Fe3O4 and 15.678% lead oxide PbO, named Concrete 6 in this study, has shown the best mass attenuation coefficient, exposure buildup factor and HVL values among other mixes thus minimizing the exposure rate to the acceptable levels. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.