Mechanics, γ-ray shielding properties and acoustic emission characteristics of radiation shielding concrete exposed to elevated temperatures

High temperature can cause serious damage to building structures, so it is important in order to re-evaluate the residual properties of radiation shielding concrete (RSC) exposed to elevated temperatures for ensuring security of medical, industrial and defense building structures. Thus, the deterioration of the mechanical, γ-ray shielding properties and acoustic emission characteristics of barite concrete (BC) and magnetite concrete (MC) exposed to elevated temperatures were studied. Research indicated that the performance of aggregates played a crucial role in the thermal stability, residual physical and mechanical properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures. BC was subjected from bursting and even spalling at 300°C, while its physical and mechanical properties deteriorated drastically. However, MC still had favorable integrity and relatively high residual mechanical properties at 800°C. The maximum deterioration temperature of BC exposed to elevated temperatures occurred at about 300℃, while that of MC occurred at 450-600℃. The degradation of the γ-ray shielding properties of RSC exposed to elevated temperatures was significantly lower than its mechanical properties.