Engineering Properties of Heavyweight Concrete—A Review

Abstract

Heavyweight concrete which differs from normal weight concrete by having a higher density and special compositions to improve its attenuation properties, the density and cost of the material are really important in order to absorb gamma rays. If the main aim of developing heavyweight concrete is focussed to attenuate neutrons, then the material with less atomic weight should be embodied in the concrete mix which can in turn produce hydrogen. It is used in counterweights of bascule and lift bridges, but its general application includes in radiation shielding structures, offshore, ballasting of pipelines etc. The evolution of nuclear power into peaceful applications has given rise to an expanding use of heavy weight concrete in construction industries nowadays. Heavyweight concrete employs bulky conventional aggregates such as barites or magnetite or artificial aggregates such as Fe ore or Pb shots. This paper states a review on impact on engineering properties of Heavyweight concrete such as compressive, split tensile and flexural strength with different heavyweight aggregates as per the investigations conducted by researchers.