Radiation shielding with high density concrete retaining walls

Our concrete retaining walls are used at nuclear power stations, where they are designed to provide protection from hazardous materials including nuclear radiation.

Posted on: April 20th 2022    •    Posted in: Alfabloc, Retaining Walls
Sizewell nuclear power station

Heavyweight concrete acts as shielding from hazardous materials for nuclear and medical purposes. The higher the density of the concrete, and the thicker it is, the more effective the material is at reducing the radiation’s intensity. A higher density concrete means a thinner wall can be used, saving space on-site. We can create bespoke solutions using heavy natural aggregates with a higher density than our normal blocks to reduce this radioactivity.

At Sizewell A nuclear power station we supplied a number of Alfablocs to construct a shield wall to reduce ‘shine’ or radiation. The power station was being decommissioned, with interlocking Alfablocs used to surround the active waste facility building during this process.

For the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) Mega Ampere Spherical Tokamak (MAST) fusion experiment Poundfield supplied precision cut blocks to form one of the walls around the main vacuum vessel. Chevron shaped, the blocks were designed to be easily removed in the future if required.


Ballistic protection

Alfabloc security walls can be used for ballistic protection at important infrastructure sites such as substations, power stations, shooting ranges etc. In these environments where security is a priority, our security walls are able to provide protection from blasts and ballistics.

Alfablocs have successfully gone through ballistic tests and whilst not bulletproof, the double layers of the Alfabloc™ will effectively ‘stop’ a bullet. Not only this, but the angled sides will deflect a projectile before it has a chance to penetrate directly.

Alfablocs are able to offer blast protection in the event of an explosion, absorbing and reflecting the impact.

Concrete is also known for its fire protection qualities. Non-combustible, concrete has a slow rate of heat transfer, providing excellent shielding from heat in the event of an incident.

Our security walls are maintenance-free and long-lasting, providing protection from terrorists to potentially vulnerable buildings for many years.


Get in touch with our retaining walls department

Our experienced sales team is always on hand to help and advise you on the features and benefits of all of our retaining wall products and would be more than happy to help you discuss the wide variety of options on offer.

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