Building Material Samples Research Articles

Utilization of radiometric data for mapping primary and secondary sources of gamma radiation and radon/thoron release potentials in Ireland.

This paper presents a novel approach to predict and map radon and thoron levels. We developed separate radon and thoron prediction maps for Ireland and introduced a system for producing high-resolution 3D radiation maps which may be used for planning purposes in residential areas, recycling and demolishing waste depots, and quarries of building and construction material. Additionally, we highlight the critical need to monitor thoron alongside radon in indoor surveys, as thoron's shorter half-life and higher energy levels may pose a greater health risk. We utilized Tellus radiometric survey data and indoor radon measurement records to investigate the spatial correlation between elevated indoor radon activity and anomalies in radioelement concentrations. We also estimated the degree of thoron interference in indoor radon surveys conducted in Ireland using CR-39 detectors. Field and laboratory surveys were performed to produce high-resolution radiation maps for four Irish quarries and estimate the radon and thoron potential of these quarries. Our initial findings suggest that thoron may be the primary health issue in some parts of Ireland, surpassing radon. For example, our map shows that the expected thoron potential in county Donegal is significantly higher than that for radon. Our radon and thoron exhalation tests on building material samples from four random quarries confirm this. We also estimate that over 20% of the elevated indoor radon activity recorded by the EPA using CR-39 detectors may be attributed to thoron-related sources. This study contributes to a better understanding of the prevalence and impact of radon and thoron in Ireland, helping to determine the main radiological health issue related to indoor air quality in the country. Thoron's impact on indoor air quality and health has been understudied in Ireland, necessitating more comprehensive studies and monitoring programs to accurately assess the prevalence and impact of both radon and thoron.

THE CONCENTRATION OF NATURAL RADIATION SOURCES (NRS), MAINLY 238U, 232Th, and 40K, IN BUILDING MATERIALS (SAND, CLAY BRICKS, AND CONCRETE BLOCKS) USED ALONG KANGUNDO ROAD, NAIROBI KENYA

This research aimed at assessing the concentration of Natural Radiation Sources (NRS), mainly 238U, 232Th, and 40K, in building materials (sand, clay bricks, and concrete blocks) used along Kangundo Road in Nairobi City County. Human exposure to ionising radiation is largely due to Natural Radiation Sources (NRS). These radioactive elements with long half-lives are found in the Earths lithosphere and in construction materials with radiation levels varying due to their geology. A purposive random sampling method was deployed in this work to collect samples of building materials for analysis. The radioactivity concentration levels in the sampled building materials were determined using a NaI (TI) spectrometer at Kenyatta University laboratory. The activity concentration of 40K varied from 151 ± 8 to 2392 ± 120 Bq/kg, 238U varied from 27 ± 2 to 412 ± 21 Bq/kg and 232Th ranged from 54 ± 3 to 612 ± 31Bq/kg. More than 70 per cent of the samples analysed had activity concentration surpassing the world permissible limits of 420 Bq/kg, 33 Bq/kg, 45 Bq/kg for 40K, 238U and 232Th respectively. The study therefore recommended that assessment of radioactivity concentration for samples with high radioactivity values.

On the application of buoyancy correction in the cup test measurement

The water vapour permeability of building materials is often measured using the cup method. One of usual corrections applied to the measured data is correction for the ambient air buoyant force acting on the cup assembly during weighing, the so-called ‘buoyancy correction’. Although the mathematical formula for the correction is well known, there are two distinct ways for its application to the cup test, which depend on the air permeability and flexibility of the tested sample. The magnitude of the correction can be twice different for the two approaches. This study, at first theoretically describes the use of buoyancy correction for cups with different samples. Then, presents results of the measurement of the air pressure inside cups with different samples which support the theoretical assumptions. Finally, based on numerical simulation, were established limits of use of the calculated buoyancy correction. Many samples of building materials are enough air permeable (air permeance higher than 1 × 10−10 kg/(m2sPa)) or flexible to maintain the air pressure and density in the cup close to ambient conditions. Cups with these samples can be corrected by applying the buoyancy correction to the volume of the air-impermeable parts of the cup assembly. If the air permeance of the sample is lower, the possible residual error after the application of correction can be ±3–7 mg/dm2 of the cup mouth area. The application of buoyancy correction can reduce the measurement time, especially for samples with a higher vapour resistance.

Comparative analysis of techniques for estimating radon exhalation from building materials

Evaluating the radon emissions from building structures to determine optimal strategies for either preventing radon infiltration into buildings or decreasing its concentration in occupied areas is essential. This research presents a study of different methodologies for determining the radon exhalation rate in three samples of granite: two techniques based on passive detectors (Electret Ion Chamber (EIC) and Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD)) and one technique based on the use of a continuous radon detector. The operating principle of the three methodologies is based on the accumulation of radon inside an experimental container, hermetically sealed. Passive detectors offer the concentration measurement, integrated over time, while the continuous detector monitors the increase in concentration hour by hour. In this last case, three mathematical models have been applied to adjust the experimental results.According to a previous radiological characterization of the building material samples, those exceeding the legal limit of the radioactive activity index (I = 1) have been analyzed: Rose Porriño granite, Blue Vizag granite and Julia Cream granite. The obtained results indicate that the five methodologies used present radon exhalation rate values within a consistent range for each sample. Therefore, the protocols detailed in this work could be used interchangeably to calculate the radon gas exhalation rates in building materials, providing flexibility in selecting the most suitable method depending specific experimental requirements or constraints.

Radon, Thoron and Polonium Concentrations Estimated in Building Materials Samples Collected from Al-Shatra, Dhi-Qar, Iraq

Radon, Thoron and their short-lived daughters have a high contribution to background radiation, as long-term exposure causes the risk of lung cancer. In current study, five types of building materials with a total 55 samples in Al-Shatra City, Dhi-Qar Governorate, Iraq collected to measure the radon and thoron concentration by using CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector. The results showed that the average radon concentrations in all samples were (103.53±55.94) Bqm−3, while the average thoron concentration was (53.20±44.69) Bqm−3. On the other hand, the annual effective dose of radon ranged between (0.85-6.46) msvy−1, with an average of 2.61msvy−1. While, for thoron concentration was ranged between (0.12-3.28) msvy−1, with an average of 1.49 msvy−1. The annual effective dose was found acceptable limit (3-10 msvy−1) recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). On the other side, the average Polonium concentrations (218Po, 214Po) have been found to be 2.053 KBqm−3, 0.866 KBqm−3, respectively.

Evaluation of Dimensional Change in Different Elastomeric Impression Materials Used in Implants: An Original Research

ABSTRACT Aim: The study’s objective was to assess the dimensional accuracy of hybrid polyether and polyvinyl siloxane materials for implant impressions. Materials and Methods: Nine groups were created from 45 samples of various building materials and construction techniques from the study. Five samples were tested, and 45 impressions were recorded. Results: The hybrid non-splinted technique has improved implant site replication, accuracy, and low interimplant distance alterations. Conclusion: The finest possible reproduction of implant sites on the master cast was made feasible by the use of an open, non-splinted method and a hybrid polyvinyl siloxane–polyether impression material.

Development of road pavement structures using zeolite of the Tatar-Shatrashanskoe deposit

Introduction. The growing dynamics of road construction, the active improvement of domestic road structures and technologies, and the modernization of the production base will make it possible to form a comprehensive sustainable transport framework for the country, which will provide an impact to the entire economy of the Russian Federation. One of the economically and technologically advantageous solutions for this is the development and construction of road structures using zeolite - pozzolanic additive. The analysis of Russian and foreign sources indicates that pozzolanic additives improve the physical and mechanical properties of road building materials. The purpose of the work is to develop road pavement structures using zeolite from the Tatarsko-Shatrashanskoe deposit. To achieve this purpose, the tasks such as the development of road building materials using zeolite ( local mineral materials treated with Portland cement and zeolite are used for base layers, warm asphalt concrete with zeolite is used for coating layers), the design and calculation of road pavements using zeolite from the TatarskoShatrashanskoe deposit were solved.Materials and methods. The experimental laboratory studies of materials in accordance with GOST 23558, GOST R 70396, GOST R 58406.8, GOST R 58406.9, GOST 9128, GOST 12801 were carried out. The calculation of road pavement structures in the Credo Radon software package for permissible elastic deflection, shear resistance, bending resistance, static load, frost resistance, drainage layer for climatic conditions typical of the Republic of Tatarstan, according to PNST 265, GOST R 58818 was carried out.Results. As a result of the research, the physical and mechanical properties of samples of road building materials using zeolite, which correspond to regulatory requirements were determined. The design and calculation of road pavements using zeolite in the Credo Radon software package was carried out. Structural transverse profiles of highways of categories IV and V using zeolite from the Tatarsko-Shatrashanskoe deposit have been proposed. The use of developed materials and road structures will currently improve the economy, rational environmental management of the region and, in general, provide an opportunity to improve the quality of life in cities and towns by successfully completing the five-year road activity plan.

Research Results of Municipal Sewage Sludge Applied for Building Material Production

The study presents the experimental results on the use of ash obtained as a result of incineration of municipal sewage sludge from the water utility of Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic, for construction material production. Research methods are given and the results of strength tests of building material samples are given. The impact of the manufactured samples of construction materials on the ecology of the surrounding space and human health is assessed. To achieve the set objectives of the research laboratory experiment and determination of indicators of investigated values of sludge, ash and water extracts with the use of devices and measuring instruments are used. On the basis of the research laboratories of Kalashnikov Izhevsk State Technical University and MUE “IzhVodokanal” of the Udmurt Republic experimental studies on incineration of sewage sludge and the use of the resulting ash as a substituting or modifying component of the construction mixture in the manufacture of experimental samples of ceramics, cement-sand mortar and concrete were carried out. Methodology of manufacturing and algorithm of ceramic (fired) and cement-based (nonfired) testing specimens are presented. Measuring means for determination of gamma-radiation intensity indices of ash, cement and their influence on human health are used. The algorithm of experimental research, applied energy-efficient techniques used in the experiment and analysis of the obtained experimental results are presented. The analysis of experimental research results of ceramic and cement-based products, as well as the analysis of radiation safety, migration of heavy metals is presented. The energy-efficient methodology of sewage sludge utilization and further ways of applying ash as an environmental and resource-saving component used in manufacturing of experimental building materials are considered.

Assessment of radioactivity concentration for building materials used in Babadogo Estate, Nairobi City County, Kenya.

Natural radioactive materials in certain conditions can get to hazardous radiological level. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the natural activity concentration from sampled building materials collected from different locations in Babadogo Estate within Nairobi City County. The analysis done using gamma ray spectrometer, which was put into action for spectral data acquisition and then analysis. The activity concentration levels of 238U, 232Th and 40K for the selected samples of building materials was measured by the use of gamma ray spectrometry method. The analyzed data compared with the standard acceptable values. The activity concentration in 40K varied from 55±3 to 2647±132Bq kg-1, giving an average (sum of all values divided by 33) value of 831±42Bq kg-1; 238U varied from 39±2 to 3602±180Bq kg-1, giving average figures of 378±19Bq kg-1 and 232Th ranged from 5.000±0.300 to 4213±211Bq kg-1, giving average figure of 290±15Bq kg-1. The calculated average figures for activity concentration surpassed the world average values of 420, 33 and 45Bq kg-1 in 40K, 238U and 232Th, respectively.

Measurement of water vapor transmission properties using the cup method – error caused by air buoyancy

The determination of water vapor transmission properties is commonly performed using the cup method. The method is based on periodic weighing of the cup assembly over time. If the air density surrounding the balance differs between weighings, measured change of mass is affected by the difference of ambient air buoyant force. For the correction of this effect can be used a mathematical formula presented in the literature and standards. The ASTM E96 states that this correction is important if observing changes of water vapor mass 0–100 mg. This paper therefore analyses possible errors of measured water vapor transmission properties based on a single 100 mg mass change without applying the buoyancy correction. It was found that for most common samples of building materials (sd < 3 m) and regular sizes of cup assemblies the error of a single mass change measurement can be up to ca. ±13 %, while assemblies with higher volume, higher mass, or more vapor tight samples can experience an error up to ±26 %. However, the vapor transmission properties are usually determined based on five consecutive weight changes. In that case the error can be up to five times lower (±2.5–5 %). Regarding the formula of the buoyancy correction the most important parameter was found to be the chosen volume of the cup assembly which, however, depends on particular setup and sample air-permeance. Only two extreme scenarios regarding this topic were analyzed while the full understanding of the accurate correction is still unsolved in its complexity.

Evaluation of radon hazards at the rural settlements of Uzbekistan.

The "passive" sorption detectors based on the activated charcoal together with scintillation spectrometry were utilized to measure radon flux density from the soil surface as well as volumetric activity of indoor radon at the dwellings of rural areas of Uzbekistan. Additionally, gamma dose rates as well as concentrations of natural radionuclides in soil and building materials samples were determined. Based on the values of natural radionuclides, common radiological indices have been calculated. It was found that varying greatly, 94% radon flux density values did not exceed 80mBq/(m2·s), while volumetric activities of radon were in the range of 35-564Bq/m3. The radium equivalent activity for studied soil and building materials samples were below the allowed limit of 370Bq/kg. Computed gamma dose rates were in the range of 55.50-73.89 ƞGyh-1 below the limit of 80 ƞGyh-1 and annual effective dose rate 0.068-0.091 mSvy-1, the average value of which was higher than the standard limit > 0.47 mSvy-1. The gamma representative index range was 0.89-1.19 with an average of 1.002 which was higher than the standard limit of 1.0. The range of activity utilization index was equal to 0.70-0.86 with an average value 0.77 which was lower than the recommended level ≤ 2.0. And lastly, excess lifetime cancer risk index values were from 1.9 × 10-4 to 2.5 × 10-4 and were lower than the recommended value 2.9 × 10-4 indicating low radiological risk. The results are consistent with the research conducted by other authors earlier, implying suitability of employing the method for the assessment of residential areas.

Public exposure in the Orenburg region due to natural sources of ionizing radiation. Part 2: Doses to the population of the eastern districts of the Orenburg region

The paper presents the estimated doses to the population of six eastern districts of the Orenburg region, Russia, based on the results of a comprehensive radiation survey conducted in 2019 in 34 settlements with previously found elevated levels of activity concentration of natural radionuclides in tap water from groundwater sources of drinking water supply. It is shown that the average individual annual effective dose due to all natural sources of ionizing radiation in 18 of 34 settlements corresponds to ‘elevated level’ of exposure due to natural sources according to established classification (from 5 to 10 mSv/year), and in another 7 settlements to ‘high level’ (over 10 mSv/year) with radon being the main contributor to the dose. Four settlements of Kvarkensky and Adamovsky districts, where the highest indoor radon concentrations had been found, were selected for a detailed survey, which included measurements of density of radon flux from the soil, radon concentration in soil gas, activity concentration of natural radionuclides in samples of building materials and in soil samples, and activity concentration of radon in tap water from groundwater sources of drinking water supply. Results of the detailed survey proved that the main source of radon in the buildings was the soil gas infiltration; compared to it, the contribution of waterborne radon release was insignificant.

Quantification of Humidity and Salt Detection in Historical Building Materials via Broadband Radar Measurement

For the investigation of moisture and salt content in historic masonry, destructive drilling samples followed by a gravimetric investigation is still the preferred method. In order to prevent the destructive intrusion into the building substance and to enable a large-area measurement, a nondestructive and easy-to-use measuring principle is needed. Previous systems for moisture measurement usually fail due to a strong dependence on contained salts. In this work, a ground penetrating radar (GPR) system was used to determine the frequency-dependent complex permittivity in the range between 1 and 3 GHz on salt-loaded samples of historical building materials. By choosing this frequency range, it was possible to determine the moisture in the samples independently of the salt content. In addition, it was possible to make a quantitative statement about the salt level. The applied method demonstrates that with ground penetrating radar measurements in the frequency range selected here, a salt-independent moisture determination can be carried out.

The NMR core analyzing tomograph: a multi-functional tool for non-destructive testing of building materials

NMR is becoming increasingly popular for the investigation of building materials as it is a non-invasive technology that does not require any sample preparation nor causes damage to the material. Depending on the specific application it can offer insights into properties like porosity and spatial saturation degree as well as pore structure. Moreover it enables the determination of moisture transport properties and the (re-)distribution of internal moisture into different reservoirs or chemical phases upon damage and curing. However, as yet most investigations were carried out using devices originally either designed for geophysical applications or the analysis of rather homogeneous small scale (< 10 mL) samples. This paper describes the capabilities of an NMR tomograph, which has been specifically optimized for the investigation of larger, heterogeneous building material samples (diameters of up to 72 mm, length of up to 700 mm) with a high flexibility due to interchangeable coils allowing for a high SNR and short echo times (50–80 μs).

Detecting Cracks in Aerated Concrete Samples Using a Convolutional Neural Network

The creation and training of artificial neural networks with a given accuracy makes it possible to identify patterns and hidden relationships between physical and technological parameters in the production of unique building materials, predict mechanical properties, and solve the problem of detecting, classifying, and segmenting existing defects. The detection of defects of various kinds on elements of building materials at the primary stages of production can improve the quality of construction and identify the cause of particular damage. The technology for detecting cracks in building material samples is of great importance in building monitoring, in pre-venting the spread of defective material. In this paper, we consider the use of the YOLOv4 convolutional neural network for crack detection on building material samples. This was based on the creation of its own empirical database of images of samples of aerated concrete. The number of images was increased by applying our own augmentation algorithm. Optimization of the parameters of the intellectual model based on the YOLOv4 convolutional neural network was performed. Experimental results show that the YOLOv4 model developed in this article has high precision in defect detection problems: AP@50 = 85% and AP@75 = 68%. It should be noted that the model was trained on its own set of data obtained by simulating various shooting conditions, rotation angles, object deformations, and light distortions through image processing methods, which made it possible to apply the developed algorithm in practice.

DB-HERITAGE Building Materials Data Aggregation in ARIADNE - challenges and opportunities

DB-HERITAGE provides open and free sharing of wide-ranging technical data on hundreds of samples of building materials from diverse periods, extracted from Portuguese built heritage all over the world. It has been developed to improve know-how for historic building materials and as a basis for developing best practices for built heritage conservation. It incorporates both physical and digital repositories for building material samples and related data, providing tools for the systematic recording of data concerning the history, properties, and performance of materials used in Portuguese built heritage. DB-HERITAGE targets different communities, researchers, and stakeholders involved in the preservation of archaeological and architectural heritage. It provides a systematisation of building assets, within their related environmental, social, and cultural contexts, as well as displaying technical and scientific information on structural elements, built components and their constituent materials. Although the rationale of the wide context sustaining the DB-HERITAGE concept, gathering communities and reduced time-to-value represent extra requirements for data quality, improved tools, and an efficient management plan. The participation in ARIADNEplus challenged DB-HERITAGE to get the most out of standardised procedures and the FAIR principles, strengthening its data management plan and practices. Data processing has been improved by deploying a common ontology and further developing standards, shared semantics, and identifiers. Updated protocols for data sharing and detailed information on provenance have also been developed to enhance data reuse. This article presents an overview of the aggregation process of DB-HERITAGE data into ARIADNEplus. It includes a summary of DB-HERITAGE’s strengths and of the challenges faced within the scope of the aggregation process, with examples of some of DB-HERITAGE’s major outputs. Additionally, it considers the benefits and opportunities provided by participation in ARIADNEplus.

Studying the Possibility of using Paint to Reduce the Amount of Radon Gas Emitted from Cement

In the present work, it had been measured the concentration of radon gas (CRn) for (10) samples of cement used in constructions before and after painting them using enamel paint, purchased from the local markets, to see the extent of its ability to reduce emissions of Rn-222 in the air. These samples were obtained from different sources available in the local markets in Baghdad and other provinces. The measurements were done by the American-made detector (RAD7). The results showed that the highest CRn in the air emitted from cement samples after coating was in the cement sample (Iranian origin) where the concentration was (58.27 Bq/m3) while the lowest CRn was found in building material samples in the white cement sample (Turkish origin) was (15.74 Bq/m3). In view of the present results, it has been confirmed that the concentration of Rn-222 emitted into the air in all building material samples is below the agency's permissible limit (ICRP).

Radiological assessment of radon concentration, radon exhalation rate, and annual effective dose of building materials used in Erbil city Kurdistan region, Iraq

ABSTRACT Radon gas has long been connected with human public health risks. Building materials, one of the biggest producers of this gas in enclosed areas, are thought to be among the most important channels of this gas. The radon concentration, radon exhalation rate as well as the annual effective dose for 52 building material samples (granite, ceramic, marble, mosaic, building stones, gypsum, gypsum board, block, lightweight block, sand, aggregate, limestone, concrete, siporex, cement, white cement, brick and red brick) in Erbil city were assessed by applying a radon detection system consisting of a length-pipeline approach using CR-39 SSNTDs as an inactive mode and an electronic RAD7 solid-state detector as a can way. The outcomes of passive and active approaches were found to be very comparable. The highest values of radon exhalation rate, radon concentration and indoor yearly effective dosage were recorded, respectively, as 0.546 ± 0.032 Bq.m−2.h −1, 290.2 ± 17 Bq.m−3 and 7.32 ± 0.43 mSv.y −1 for granite samples, while the lowest values were 0.057 ± 0.003 Bq.m−2.h −1, 30.2 ± 1.8 Bq.m −3 and 0.76 ± 0.05 mSv.y −1 for the gypsum board samples. The results also revealed that the radon exhalation rate was lower than the global average of 57.600 Bq.m −2.h −1, and the indoor annual effective dose for all samples except for granite samples was less than the allowed threshold of 1–5 mSv.y−1. The annual effective dose for all samples was above the average world value of 1.2 mSv.y −1 reported by UNSCEAR and WHO except for gypsum board samples. The radon concentrations in granite samples were within the ICRP’s suggested activity ranges of 200 to 600 Bq.m−3.

Investigation of Building Materials' Radioactivity in a Historical Building-A Case Study.

The paper investigates a possible hazard originating from natural radionuclides in building materials in a selected historical building being reconstructed for housing. Both outdoor and indoor risks were evaluated through the radiological indices and estimated doses, based on measured activities of natural radionuclides in stone and brick materials of the building. The average measured activity concentrations of radionuclides were 7.32 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 40.05 Bq/kg for 232Th, and 546.64 Bq/kg for 40K radionuclides. The average total activity concentration in building materials (594.0 Bq/kg) exceeded the world average value. A correlation was found between the potassium content in the building material samples and the total activity of radionuclides. The gamma indices, Iγ, calculated for the samples, ranged in an interval of 0.26–0.60, not exceeding the restricted limit for bulk materials Iγ = 1. The average annual effective dose due to building materials was 0.53 mSv/y, which does not exceed the limit (1 mSv/y), however, it contributes to a gamma dose excess that is higher than recommended (0.3 mSv/y at the most). The bricks were responsible for a higher level of natural radiation than natural stone material. Nevertheless, based on the radiation protection requirements, it can be concluded that the building can be used for residential purposes after the reconstruction, as no significant human health impact is expected due to the radioactivity of building materials.

222Rn concentrations in building materials using RAD-7 device

In the current work, we measured radon gas concentration (CRn) in (15) samples of building materials for (8) types (mosaic, marble, granite, porcelain, ceramic, brick, block, and stone) obtained from various international sources available in the local markets from During the emission of 222Rn and by means of the American-made device (RAD7), the results showed that the highest CRn to the air emitted from samples of building materials was in the porcelain sample (origin of china), where the average concentration was (120.74 Bq / m3), while it was found that the lowest average CRn in building materials samples in the marble sample (origin of Turkey) which amounted to (15.5 Bq/m3). Observing the current results, it was confirmed that the concentration of 222Rn emitted into the air in all samples of building materials (mosaic, marble, granite, porcelain, ceramic, brick, block, and stone) is less than the permissible limit from the agency (ICRP).