Characterization of local Egyptian iron ores for use in radiation shielding concrete.

Petrographic, physical, chemical, mechanical, and radioactive characteristics tests were performed on magnetite, limonite, and hematite found in abundance in Egypt to determine their suitability for producing radiation shielding concrete. The contents of uranium and thorium were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis and gamma spectroscopy. The results obtained using the two methods have shown satisfactory correlation. The tests confirm that magnetite and limonite are suitable as concrete aggregate while hematite is not because of its friable nature and high contents of uranium, thorium, and cobalt.