Calculation of the cross-sections for fast neutrons and gamma-rays in concrete shields

This work is concerned with the theoretical calculation of both the total mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) for gamma rays and the effective removal cross-sections (ΣR) for fast neutrons. Calculations were carried out for four types of concrete of different densities namely (1) dolomite–sand ρ=2.5 g.cm−3, (2) barite–barite ρ=3.49 g.cm−3, (3) magnetite–limonite ρ=3.6 g.cm−3 and (4) ilmenite–ilmenite ρ=3.69 g cm−3. The total mass attenuation coefficients have been calculated at energies from 10 keV to 1 GeV using the XCOM (version 3.1) computer program and cross- section database for elements from Z=1 to 100. Also the effective removal cross-section have been calculated using the elemental composition of the concrete mixes. The calculated values are widely needed and used as a database for radiation shielding design of research reactors, power station and particle accelerators. The results were displayed in tables and figures. Calculated results were compared with those previously measured and a reasonable agreement was found between them.