Characterization of Radiation Fields for Assessing Concrete Degradation in Biological Shields of NPPs

Igor Remec; Thomas M. Rosseel; Kevin G. Field; Yann Le Pape

doi:10.1051/epjconf/201715305009

Characterization of Radiation Fields for Assessing Concrete Degradation in Biological Shields of NPPs

Igor Remec, Thomas M. Rosseel, Kevin G. Field, Yann Le Pape

Research output: Contribution to journal › Conference article › peer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Life extensions of nuclear power plants (NPPs) to 60 years of operation and the possibility of subsequent license renewal to 80 years have renewed interest in long-term material degradation in NPPs. Large irreplaceable sections of most nuclear generating stations are constructed from concrete, including safety-related structures such as biological shields and containment buildings; therefore, concrete degradation is being considered with particular focus on radiation-induced effects. Based on the projected neutron fluence values (E > 0.1 MeV) in the concrete biological shields of the US pressurized water reactor fleet and the currently available data on radiation effects on concrete, some decrease in mechanical properties of concrete cannot be ruled out during extended operation beyond 60 years. An expansion of the irradiated concrete database is desirable to ensure reliable risk assessment for extended operation of nuclear power plants.

Original language	English
Article number	05009
Journal	EPJ Web of Conferences
Volume	153
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/201715305009
State	Published - Sep 25 2017
Event	13th International Conference on Radiation Shielding, ICRS 2016 and 19th Topical Meeting of the Radiation Protection and Shielding Division of the American Nuclear Society, RPSD 2016 - Paris, France Duration: Oct 3 2016 → Oct 6 2016

Funding

This manuscript has been authored by UT-Battelle, LLC, under contract DE-AC0500OR22725 with the US Department of Energy. The United States Government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the United States Government retains a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this manuscript, or allow others to do so, for United States Government purposes.

Funders	Funder number
US Department of Energy
UT-Battelle	DE-AC0500OR22725

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10.1051/epjconf/201715305009

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title = "Characterization of Radiation Fields for Assessing Concrete Degradation in Biological Shields of NPPs",

abstract = "Life extensions of nuclear power plants (NPPs) to 60 years of operation and the possibility of subsequent license renewal to 80 years have renewed interest in long-term material degradation in NPPs. Large irreplaceable sections of most nuclear generating stations are constructed from concrete, including safety-related structures such as biological shields and containment buildings; therefore, concrete degradation is being considered with particular focus on radiation-induced effects. Based on the projected neutron fluence values (E > 0.1 MeV) in the concrete biological shields of the US pressurized water reactor fleet and the currently available data on radiation effects on concrete, some decrease in mechanical properties of concrete cannot be ruled out during extended operation beyond 60 years. An expansion of the irradiated concrete database is desirable to ensure reliable risk assessment for extended operation of nuclear power plants.",

author = "Igor Remec and Rosseel, {Thomas M.} and Field, {Kevin G.} and Pape, {Yann Le}",

note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2017.; 13th International Conference on Radiation Shielding, ICRS 2016 and 19th Topical Meeting of the Radiation Protection and Shielding Division of the American Nuclear Society, RPSD 2016 ; Conference date: 03-10-2016 Through 06-10-2016",

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T1 - Characterization of Radiation Fields for Assessing Concrete Degradation in Biological Shields of NPPs

AU - Remec, Igor

AU - Rosseel, Thomas M.

AU - Field, Kevin G.

AU - Pape, Yann Le

PY - 2017/9/25

Y1 - 2017/9/25

N2 - Life extensions of nuclear power plants (NPPs) to 60 years of operation and the possibility of subsequent license renewal to 80 years have renewed interest in long-term material degradation in NPPs. Large irreplaceable sections of most nuclear generating stations are constructed from concrete, including safety-related structures such as biological shields and containment buildings; therefore, concrete degradation is being considered with particular focus on radiation-induced effects. Based on the projected neutron fluence values (E > 0.1 MeV) in the concrete biological shields of the US pressurized water reactor fleet and the currently available data on radiation effects on concrete, some decrease in mechanical properties of concrete cannot be ruled out during extended operation beyond 60 years. An expansion of the irradiated concrete database is desirable to ensure reliable risk assessment for extended operation of nuclear power plants.

AB - Life extensions of nuclear power plants (NPPs) to 60 years of operation and the possibility of subsequent license renewal to 80 years have renewed interest in long-term material degradation in NPPs. Large irreplaceable sections of most nuclear generating stations are constructed from concrete, including safety-related structures such as biological shields and containment buildings; therefore, concrete degradation is being considered with particular focus on radiation-induced effects. Based on the projected neutron fluence values (E > 0.1 MeV) in the concrete biological shields of the US pressurized water reactor fleet and the currently available data on radiation effects on concrete, some decrease in mechanical properties of concrete cannot be ruled out during extended operation beyond 60 years. An expansion of the irradiated concrete database is desirable to ensure reliable risk assessment for extended operation of nuclear power plants.

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DO - 10.1051/epjconf/201715305009

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JO - EPJ Web of Conferences

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T2 - 13th International Conference on Radiation Shielding, ICRS 2016 and 19th Topical Meeting of the Radiation Protection and Shielding Division of the American Nuclear Society, RPSD 2016

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Characterization of Radiation Fields for Assessing Concrete Degradation in Biological Shields of NPPs

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