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Abstract

Radiation shielding is essential in industries dealing with ionising radiation to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment. Conventional concrete is widely used for protection; however, it may be insufficient when faced with high-intensity radiation sources. The aim of this master thesis is to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of high-density concrete radiation shields based on steel-reinforced fiber ultra-high-performance concrete.
Research methodology includes a combination of experimental testing and numerical simulations. UHPC samples with different steel fiber content will need to be prepared and the mechanical properties of these samples will be examined experimentally, while their radiation shielding qualities will theoretically be evaluated via an online software. This type of concrete, which has been compared with ordinary concrete before, will also consider how the increased steel fiber ratio in itself affects its performance in this study. Numerical simulations will be performed using advanced modelling techniques to gain insight into the interaction of radiation and reinforced steel fibers with UHPC. This analysis will allow the composition of the composite material to be optimised in order to increase the radiation shielding performance. This online software data will be compared with the experimental results obtained from previous articles, the energy levels that give the best results will be determined and evaluated with reference to those levels.
The results of this work may lead to the emergence of a new generation of radiation protection materials that bridge the gap between traditional concrete and better shielding material. If proven effective, Steel Fiber Reinforced UHPC can be used for applications such as Nuclear Power Plants Containment Structures, Medical Radiation Therapy Areas and Radioactive Waste Storage Centres where the use of High-Density Concrete Shielding is required.
This master's thesis will aim to contribute to improving safety and efficiency for industries dealing with ionising radiation by examining the use of high-density concrete radiation shielding materials in steel-wire reinforced UHPCs. The results will provide valuable insight into the capabilities of this innovative composite material and its potential for widespread application in the radiation shielding field.

Course: Civil Engineering - MSc - C0618

Date Deposited: 2023-11-07

URI/permalink: https://www.library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14271.html