Physical, mechanical, and radiation shielding performance of granodiorite for construction applications

Abstract In this study, physical and mechanical characteristics of the granodiorite was examined. Additionally, the ability of granodiorite to shield against gamma radiation was also evaluated. Petrographic analyses revealed that all of the granodiorite samples are essentially composed of plagioclase, quartz, K-feldspar, biotite and hornblende. Zircon, apatite, titanite, and opaque minerals are accessories, while chlorite, sericite, epidote and iron oxides are alteration products. All granodiorite samples were found to have densities ranging from 2.71 g/cm 3 to 2.91 g/cm 3 implying that the granodiorite samples from El-Bakriya ring complex contain highly compact crystal structures; hence granodiorite can be used in construction/decorating due to its desirable qualities for performing engineering study. Test results of compressive strength ranged from 112.1 to 242.6 MPa while flexural strength test results ranged from 7.4 to 10.9 MPa. The elastic moduli values were ranged 52.9–77.9 GPa indicating good potential for structural applications. These are indicative of an appropriate use for granodiorite in both construction and ornamental work. The gamma-ray shielding capability of sample GB4 was confirmed to be the highest of all tested samples by having both the highest linear attenuation coefficient (LAC, 0.223 cm −1 ) and half value layer (HVL, 3.107 cm) along with the least mean free path (MFP, 4.482 cm). All eight samples produced gamma-ray protection efficiencies of 65% to 68% at 0.662 MeV, indicating a moderate level of gamma-ray performance capability by the granodiorite under investigation. The results of this study show that the granodiorite under investigation are both highly mechanically durable and potentially have good radiation-shielding capabilities.