Author : Yasser R. Zaghloul and Sherif K. Elwan

Both radioactive materials and nuclear radiation are potentially hazardous to the environment especially of human beings. Thus in all nuclear facilities, provisions must made for the attenuation of incident nuclear radiation by means of shields. Gamma radiation have high penetrating powers and hence special shields must be constructed. In selecting the shielding materials, all the physical, mechanical, nuclear and engineering properties must be weighed carefully. On the other hand, the idea of using Nano-materials as partial replacement of cement in concrete, due to its great environment effect, became popular for producing infrastructures. This study aimed to investigate the influence of adding Nano-silica to the concrete as partial replacement of cement on the physical, mechanical and nuclear shielding properties. Nano-silica have been used with 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% percentages as partially replacement of cement. Results indicated that 3% of Nano-silica has improved such physical, mechanical and shielding properties to extent for use in some nuclear applications like shielding of -ray and for nuclear disposal packages.

Keywords: Nano-silica, Porosity; Water absorption; Compressive strength; Splitting tensile strength; Nuclear shielding of concrete

Article published in International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, Vol.7, No.1 (Feb-2017)