Influence of concrete constituents on its susceptibility to irradiation damage
1
Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
Submission date: 2025-12-03
Final revision date: 2026-03-22
Acceptance date: 2026-04-11
Publication date: 2026-04-14
Corresponding author
Michał Glinicki
Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5B, 02-106, Warszawa, Poland
Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5B, 02-106, Warszawa, Poland
Cement Wapno Beton 30(4) 264-283 (2025)
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
The article presents a review of research findings on the properties of concrete intended for radiological shielding in nuclear power plants. New results obtained in recent years within the framework of the international RADCON project are discussed in the context of other publications. The effects of gamma irradiation on hardening mortar and concrete are presented, revealing the temperature-equivalent nature of the radiation. The observed radiation-induced damage in hardened concrete exposed to gamma rays included an acceleration of carbonation under controlled environmental conditions, an increase in the size of calcite crystals and their micromechanical properties, and a loss of stability of the passive layer on reinforcing steel embedded in the concrete. Neutron activation analysis revealed the presence of radioactive isotopes, particularly long-lived 60Co, 152Eu i 134Cs, in domestic Portland cements and mineral aggregates. Given the significant influence of concrete homogeneity on shielding performance, new experimental–numerical tools for digital microstructure reconstruction and for predicting the temperature field in hardening concrete are discussed. Based on the developed mix designs for heavy self-compacting concrete, the issue of their pressure on formwork is addressed. The new knowledge concerning radiation-induced damage in concrete and the research tools described may be useful for optimizing the composition and technology of concrete in new nuclear energy facilities.
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