Mechanisms behind radiation-induced deterioration of concrete

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes the mechanism of radiation-induced deterioration of concrete and its components based on the literature review. The deterioration mechanism in different levels starting from the interaction between neutron and nucleus through the mineral metamictization and cement paste shrinkage up to the reduction of mechanical properties of concrete is explained in detail. All basic dependencies and patterns of volumetric change of minerals, aggregates, cement paste and finally concrete are also described in order to create a base for the future development of numerical models. Finally, the reduction of concrete mechanical properties is in correlation with its volumetric expansion. The radiation-induced volumetric expansion of concrete is affected by irradiation conditions (neutron fluence, neutron spectrum and temperature) and concrete composition (the amount, the proportion, the type and the structure of the minerals in the aggregate composition and the amount, the composition, the age and the structure of the cement paste).