Georadiological Barrier Gamma Attenuation Model for Waste Containment. II: Model Implementation
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Volume 135, Issue 4
Abstract
Herein, the Georadiological Barrier Gamma Attenuation Model that is developed in Part 1 of this paper, is utilized to estimate the attenuation of gamma rays by earthen barriers of various thicknesses and material composition. Activities of radioactive isotopes are calculated and coupled with an exponential absorption equation, to estimate exit intensities from these georad barriers. The results indicate that attenuation by georad barriers is more significantly affected by barrier thickness than by barrier density. A 33% increase in thickness from produces a 50% reduction in emitted intensity, while a 33% increase in density from produces a 19% reduction for a barrier comprising 45% sand, 25% clay, and 30% water (by weight). This model can be used to optimize barrier material mix composition, density, and thickness to increase attenuation in emergency response at existing radiologically contaminated sites and during response scenarios.
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© 2009 ASCE.
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Received: Sep 4, 2007
Accepted: Oct 28, 2008
Published online: Apr 1, 2009
Published in print: Apr 2009
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