Boron-Doped Concrete Composition for Neutron Shielding and ASR Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete used in nuclear structures is susceptible to radiation-induced volumetric expansion and alkali-silica reaction due to heterogeneous dispersion of boron aggregates, which fails to effectively shield near-surface regions from neutron radiation and mitigate damage to quartz materials.
Innovation Solution
Homogeneously disperse elemental boron and boron compounds throughout the concrete, forming a coating around aggregate particles to produce lithium locally for ASR mitigation and provide even neutron shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If boron aggregates are used for neutron shielding in concrete, then neutron radiation protection is improved, but radiation-induced volumetric expansion and alkali-silica reaction increase due to heterogeneous dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by uniformly distributing boron-containing materials throughout the concrete matrix rather than using aggregated boron particles. This homogeneous dispersion ensures consistent neutron shielding while preventing the localized chemical reactions that cause radiation-induced volumetric expansion and alkali-silica reaction. The boron is incorporated at the molecular or particulate level within the cementitious matrix, creating uniform protection without concentrated harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of boron incorporation by transitioning from macroscopic aggregates to microscopic or molecular-level dispersion. This parameter change in boron distribution scale fundamentally alters the interaction with radiation and chemicals, maintaining neutron shielding effectiveness while eliminating the harmful volumetric expansion and ASR effects associated with aggregate-based approaches.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If large amounts of heavyweight aggregates and neutron-absorbing materials are added to concrete, then protection against high-energy radiation is improved, but concrete workability and strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration and distribution parameters of neutron-absorbing materials by incorporating boron at optimized concentrations (e.g., 0.1-5% by weight) in a homogeneous manner rather than using large amounts of heavyweight aggregates. This parameter optimization maintains adequate radiation protection while preserving concrete workability and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system where boron-containing compounds are integrated into the cementitious matrix at the molecular or fine particulate level. This composite approach combines the neutron-shielding properties of boron with the workability and strength characteristics of the cement matrix, avoiding the need for separate heavyweight aggregates that would compromise concrete performance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If boron compounds are added to concrete for ASR prevention, then alkali-silica reaction is reduced, but concrete setting time and strength may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration and type of boron compounds used to prevent ASR while minimizing impact on setting time. By controlling boron content at appropriate levels and selecting specific boron compounds with different reactivity characteristics, the patent achieves ASR prevention without excessive setting time delays. The homogeneous distribution ensures uniform chemical reactivity throughout the concrete matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring homogeneous distribution of boron compounds throughout the concrete matrix, creating uniform chemical environments that prevent ASR at all locations simultaneously. This uniform distribution prevents localized variations in setting time and strength that would occur with aggregate-based boron placement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces radiation-induced volumetric expansion by up to 90% and effectively arrests alkali-silica reaction, maintaining concrete integrity and workability while ensuring consistent neutron shielding.
Implementation Method 1
the concrete is subjected to a wide array of radiation energies and types that can deleteriously affect the concrete materials... protect against neutron radiation... boron particles... provide even neutron shielding
Implementation Method 2
forming a coating around aggregate particles to produce lithium locally for ASR mitigation... reduces radiation-induced volumetric expansion by up to 90% and effectively arrests alkali-silica reaction
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide for cement, cement paste, cementitious paste, cementitious mortar, and concrete, methods of making cement, cement paste, cementitious paste, cementitious mortar, and concrete, structures incorporating the concrete, and the like, where the cement, cement paste, cementitious paste, cementitious mortar, and the concrete include elemental boron and/or one or more boron compounds (e.g., boron-doped cement, cement paste, cementitious paste, cementitious mortar, and concrete). The boron and/or a boron compound can be homogeneously distributed throughout the cement, cement paste, cementitious paste, cementitious mortar and/or concrete.