Effect of nano-silica slurry on engineering, X-ray, and γ-ray attenuation characteristics of steel slag high-strength heavyweight concrete

High molar mass materials (nano-silica slurry [NSS] and aggregate of steel furnace slag [ASFS]) can improve concrete shielding properties. However, only a few studies have been reported in this regard. Hence, this paper aims to determine the effect of NSS and ASFS on the properties of the resulting steel slag heavyweight concrete (SSHWC). The use of NSS in this study is a novel contribution. Furthermore, the maximum percentage of NSS to be introduced into the concrete for maximum effect was also optimized. This study also implemented an investigation program with six concrete mixtures prepared using ASFS as the primary by-product aggregate. The engineering, X-ray, and γ-ray attenuation characteristics of the SSHWC were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of NSS in SSHWC at the optimal content of 3% by weight of cement improved the X-ray shielding by 6.4%. Besides, all the concrete’s engineering and γ-rays’ properties were enhanced correspondingly.