Characterization and radioactive evaluation of the concrete from a radiotherapy bunker

Abstract

The construction of concrete structures for radiological protection in sanitaryfacilities requires a series of constructive conditions that guarantee safety. Theinfluence of the correct bunkers design, wall thicknesses and the type of mate-rials used is essential to ensure effective protection. The use of barite aggregateconcrete is a common resource to improve the radiation attenuation capacityof concrete walls. The present study analyses the structure of a bunker duringa renovation work, studying the construction characteristics of the chamber,the state of its elements, the characterization of materials, the identification ofthe emissions of the possible isotopes present, beta radioactive contaminationand the measurement of equivalent dose rates at different points in the con-crete. The results made it possible to determine the use of conventional con-crete and barite concrete, the latter presenting a BaO content of around 40%and particularly low resistance values, not observing alteration processes inthe materials