Assessment of radiation changes in concrete of various nuclear facilities under the influence of gamma radiation
Abstract
Assessment of radiation changes in concrete of various nuclear facilities under the influence of gamma radiation
Incoming article date: 07.01.2025The effect of gamma radiation on concretes of nuclear facilities and their components has been studied less than the effect of neutron radiation. In this regard, the purpose of this work was to assess radiation changes in concrete structures of various nuclear facilities under the influence of gamma radiation. The work presents computational studies of radiation changes in volume and compressive strength under the influence of gamma radiation in concrete structures of various premises of nuclear facilities. The calculations were performed using methods developed for the analytical determination of radiation changes in concretes and their components under neutron irradiation and heating. The rationale for their use was considered earlier. The calculations were based on the methods previously developed by the author for predicting radiation changes in fillers and cement stone under the influence of gamma radiation. It was found that under the influence of gamma radiation, significant radiation changes, especially in strength, occur and will occur in concrete structures of the considered premises of various nuclear facilities in most cases. Gamma radiation causes a decrease in volume and a decrease in strength, but it is different for concrete in different rooms depending on the absorbed dose rate. Radiation changes increase with an increase in the dose rate and the duration of operation. The calculated radiation changes in concrete under the influence of gamma radiation should be taken into account in the design, operation and especially when extending the operation of nuclear power facilities. However, the change in strength can be partially compensated by additional hydration and especially by an increase in strength due to carbonization. However, this is not taken into account in the calculations, since it has not yet been sufficiently studied. In this regard, the obtained results show the possible maximum effect of gamma radiation. Upon receipt of specific data on the effect of carbonization, the presented results can be adjusted.
Keywords: concrete, nuclear power facilities, nuclear power plants, gamma radiation effects, radiation changes in concrete, volume change, radiation changes in strength