Assessment of neutron irradiation damage in borated Ultra High- Performance Concrete (UHPC)

Effectively managing spent nuclear fuel (SNF) is a critical challenge for the global nuclear industry. Dry storage, such as vaults, silos, and casks, is a secure and cost-effective method. Dry storage casks, made of metal or concrete, are particularly efficient. Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is emerging as a favorable option due to its strength and durability, especially for radiation shielding. UHPC is shows great potential for shielding due to its high strength and density, exceeding 200 MPa compressive strength and 20 MPa flexural strength. Boron compounds like boron carbide enhance neutron shielding in concrete, making it ideal for radiation protection. Boron's neutron capture capabilities and stability improve concrete's radiation resistance, especially in nuclear safety applications. Further research is needed to optimize borated UHPC for dry storage conditions, particularly for SNF from research reactors like Malaysia's TRIGA. VESUVIO facilities offer an opportunity for advanced neutron irradiation studies. This facility helps optimize borated UHPC for Malaysia's TRIGA SNF dry storage, providing insights into its performance under neutron irradiation.