Hazardous protection using precast concrete

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. We can create bespoke solutions using heavy natural aggregates with a higher density than our normal blocks to reduce this radioactivity. A higher density concrete means a thinner wall can be used, saving space on-site.

Case studies at nuclear power stations

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 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.