article · Case Studies in Construction Materials
Ultra-high performance heavyweight concrete was developed using ilmenite and magnetite extracted from black sand as total replacements for fine sand aggregates, combined with mechanically produced nano ferrosilicon at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3% by cement mass. The investigation evaluated the influence of these materials on density, mechanical properties, microstructure, and gamma-ray shielding. Complete replacement of standard fine sand with ilmenite increased gamma-ray attenuation efficiency by 18.9% after 28 days, whilst magnetite replacement achieved a 24.2% improvement. Formulations containing 3% nano ferrosilicon reached compressive strengths of 130.5 MPa at 7 days, 167.2 MPa at 28 days, and 189.8 MPa at 91 days. Concrete combining 100% magnetite with 3% nano ferrosilicon produced the highest overall density and the greatest gamma-ray attenuation.
Nuclear sites and radiation-handling facilities require construction materials that provide both structural integrity and radiation containment. Standard concrete can require excessive thickness to stop harmful radiation. Incorporating dense minerals and nano-additives produces concrete with superior gamma-ray shielding and exceptional compressive strength, enabling safer, more resilient protective structures.
This material is aimed at radiation shielding applications in nuclear facilities. Potential users include civil contractors, nuclear plant operators, and protective barrier manufacturers. Based on the abstract, this represents applied laboratory research where mixes were tested at sample scale. Scaling to full production would require moving from batch-tested formulations to industrial-scale production and regulatory testing for structural radiation shielding.
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Minerals such as ilmenite and magnetite better absorb gamma rays compared with silica aggregates because of their elevated densities. However, utilizing such minerals as key elements in ultra-high performance heavyweight concrete (UHPHWC) demonstrates promising outcomes, in addition to the enhanced tensile strength of the optimum radiation absorber for nuclear sites. This paper presented ilmenite and magnetite separated from black sand for use as substitutes for fine aggregates in the production of UHPHWC. In addition, nano ferrosilicon (NFS) at 1%, 2%, and 3% of the cement mass was developed using a mechanical method and mixed into the UHPHWC mixes. Their effects on the microstructure, gamma-ray attenuation coefficient, mechanical properties, and density of UHPHWC were explored. The total replacement of fine sand with ilmenite and magnetite enhanced the attenuation efficiency of the concrete mixes by 18.9% and 24.2%, respectively, after 28 days. The addition of 3% NFS to produce UHPHWC achieved the highest compressive strengths of 130.5, 167.2, and 189.8 MPa after 7, 28, and 91 days, respectively. In addition, the combination comprising 3% NFS and 100% magnetite acquired the maximum density and gamma-ray attenuation coefficient values.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01543
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