Project R-16344

Circular radiation shielding Ultra-High-Performance-Concrete (Research)

Traditional radiation shielding in the healthcare and nuclear sectors relies on thick walls of heavy concrete made from expensive, primary ores (such as barite and magnetite). This process has a significant environmental footprint, and current materials are often porous, posing contamination risks and high decommissioning costs. This project aims to develop a sustainable, cost-effective, and CO2-negative Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) by reusing by-products from steel production. The end product must offer superior mechanical properties and shielding performance for applications in the medical sector (radiotherapy), nuclear energy, and defence. In the first phase, a methodology will be developed to evaluate various radiation types (photons, electrons, protons, and neutrons). Two types of sustainable binders will be compared: an innovative carbonated binder (which captures CO2) and an alkali-activated binder (AAM). In the second phase, the best-performing formula will be optimised for strength, impermeability, and environmental impact (LCA). This innovation provides a circular alternative for the growing UHPC market, valorising industrial waste streams within Flanders. The result is better protection for personnel and patients, thinner wall constructions, and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and production costs compared to conventional barite concrete.

01 March 2026 - 28 February 2027