| Abstract |
Ensuring human safety requires understanding the radiation shielding capabilities of building materials alongside their strength and durability. This study investigates the potential of concrete made from two types of sedimentary rocks, shale and calcareous, for shielding against Co-60 gamma rays at energy levels of 960 keV and 1180 keV. The sedimentary rocks were sourced from the Global Geopark region in Satun Province, Thailand. The shielding performance of sedimentary rock-based concrete is compared with standard construction concrete, with both having identical dimensions of 15 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm and a cement-to-sand-to-stone ratio of 1:2:4. Engineering properties such as density and compressive strength are analyzed. Gamma shielding efficiency is assessed using the linear attenuation coefficient (μ_l), mass attenuation coefficient (μ_m), mean free path (MFP), half-value layer (HVL), and tenth-value layer (TVL). The results indicate that standard concrete exhibits the highest compressive strength, while shale-based concrete provides superior attenuation of gamma rays at the studied energy levels. The effectiveness of gamma radiation shielding in construction materials is influenced by the internal composition of the stone or concrete mixture. |