Geometric progression computing of the exposure buildup factor and energy absorption buildup factor of concrete incorporated with some locally sourced materials for gamma radiation attenuation

In this study, the buildup factors of snail shell ash (SSA), sheep bone ash, sheep horn ash, and doum seed ash (DMSA) incorporated in concrete were evaluated. The values of the materials’ elemental compositions, mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), and equivalent atomic number (Zeq) were determined. The MAC was evaluated theoretically using the PHY-X software. The exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) were measured via the geometric progression method. The resulting values were interpolated and reported as a function of effective energy (0.5 to 10.0 MeV), Zeq, and penetrating depth (0.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 mfp). The results showed that the EBF and EABF were higher at low energies and lower at high energy regions due to the predominant Compton scattering and photon absorption activities, respectively. The DMSA 50g and SSA 50g demonstrated good shielding properties as a result of the low EBF and EABF. Therefore, the findings from this study have significance for gamma radiation shielding applications.