Evaluation of gamma ray attenuation properties of normal concrete with some nano materials using Monte Carlo simulation and experimental measurements.

The linear attenuation coefficient of normal weight concrete containing nanoparticles has been simulated using Monte Carlo transport code MCNP5 to evaluate their shielding performance. The outcomes of the numerical simulations were compared to the experimental samples computed with Cesium 137 (0.662 MeV) and XCOM program results. Three different nanoparticles mainly nano silica (NS), nano ceramic (NC), and nano metakaolin (NMK), and their hybridization were used in the present research. Slump test, density, water absorption, compressive strength and tensile strength were investigated. Moreover, the scanning electron microscopy technique (SEM), X ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were used to prove the improvement in the microstructure of concrete as a result of the use of NS, NC, NMK, and their hybridization. The results in the present study indicate that the inclusion of single nanomaterials as a replacement of cement improves the mechanical, physical, properties and the linear attenuation coefficient of concrete, while the results of the hybrid nano inclusion showed a slight improvement of the properties of concrete. In addition, the results of the simulation of the linear attenuation coefficient using the Monte Carlo simulation were in good agreement with the experimental and XCOM program results.