PSI - Issue 79

Naweed Ahmad Rabani et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 79 (2026) 124–137

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1. Introduction

Conventional concrete usually has a density of 2,200-2,500 Kg/m3, which often lacks the mechanical strength and radiation protection needed for specialized applications, such as nuclear reactors, hospitals, and high-load infrastructure (T.S. EN 206, 2002; Ouda, 2015). Heavy minerals are aggregates that have densities higher than 3,000kg/m3 and are now necessary additives to get around these limitations. Minerals such as ilmenite (FeTio3), barite (BaSO4), hematite (Fe2O3), and magnetite (Fe3O4) can raise the density of concrete by as much as 5,600 kg/m3, while also improving gamma-ray and neutron attenuation (ACI 211-1991; Gencel et al., 2011; Sakr, 2006). Rashid et al. (2020) and Horszczaruk et al. (2015) assert that these materials are crucial for tackling today’s engineering problems since they improve endurance and thermal stability in challenging conditions. Despite the advantages, there are drawbacks to adding heavy minerals, including reduced workability, increased brittleness, and environmental problems related to mining and waste byproducts (Sadrmomtazi et al., 2019; Akso ğ an et al., 2016). Current research often focuses on individual minerals, leaving gaps in ideal blend designs, comparative analyses of performance indicators, and sustainability considerations. There is an urgent need for standardized guidelines for high-density concrete applications and radiation shielding. To give a thorough grasp of how heavy minerals impact the properties of concrete, this review combines various studies. With a comprehensive assessment of the role of heavy minerals in concrete, this work aims to synthesize experimental data across minerals, determine optimal replacement ratios and mix designs, and highlight unresolved challenges for further research. Using Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus, a thorough review of the literature was conducted, giving priority to peer reviewed studies on concrete reinforced with heavy minerals. The inclusion criteria focused on experimental data that assessed mechanical, thermal, or shielding performance. Case studies, a comparative table, and statistical trend analysis were among the analytical frameworks used to evaluate the trade-offs between density, strength, and workability. 2. Heavy Minerals and Concrete Heavy minerals are used to make heavyweight concrete, which has a high density and unique properties for certain applications. According to TS EN 206, aggregates with a density of more than 3000kg/m3 are classified as heavy materials, while concrete with a density of more than 2600 kg/m3 is known as heavyweight concrete (T.S. EN, 2002). Furthermore, the ACI 211-1191 standard states that the density of heavyweight concrete can be increased above 5600 kg/m3 by adding heavy materials like steel or iron shot. High-rise structures, bridges, nuclear power plants, radiological treatment facilities, and the transportation and storage of radioactive waste all commonly use these types of concrete because of their higher density and shielding qualities (Gencel et al., 2011). Aggregates comprise nearly 75% of the volume of concrete and significantly influence the material’s mechanical and physical properties (Papachristoforou et al., 2018). Heavy minerals such as magnetite, ilmenite, limonite, and barite, along with aggregate like iron shot and perforated steel, are commonly used in heavyweight concrete (Ouda, 2015). The production of photo neutrons is aided by high atomic number elements such as iron (Fe), barium (Ba), and lead (Pb); lead-based concretes exhibit the highest values (Mesbahi et al., 2012; Mortazavi et al., 2007). High-density aggregates like barite and hematite are used to create heavyweight concrete with densities higher than 2600 kg/m3. These aggregates effectively attenuate gamma rays. (Akkurt & El-Khayatt, 2013; Binici et al., 2014; El-Faramawy et al., 2015; Gencel et al., 2010; Jankovic et al., 2016; Mahmoud et al., 2019a; Mostofinejad et al., 2012; Ouda & Abdelgader, 2019; Sakr et al., 2018). Conversely, minerals that are abundant in crystalline water, such as limonite, goethite, and serpentine, have a high hydrogen content, which makes them appropriate for neutron shielding (El-Samrah et al., 2018; Kansouh, 2012; Oto et al., 2015b; Ouda, 2015; Masoud et al., 2020). To enhance radiation shielding, a small amount of mineral additives such as zeolite, borax, colemanite, and ilmenite can be added to concrete (Gunduz, 1982; Bashter, 1997; Akkurt et al., 2006). However, studies suggest that these additives might negatively impact the mechanical and physical properties of the concrete (Akkurt et al., 2010; Kilincarslan et al., 2006; Sakr et al., 2005). The type of aggregate used determines the final concrete density and shielding qualities. The density of concrete based on barite and magnetite is 3500 kg/m3, which is substantially higher than that of regular concrete (2200-2500 kg/m3). Conversely, concrete with a serpentine base, which is abundant in hydrogenous minerals, is suitable for neutron shielding due to its density of roughly 2600 kg/m3 (Bashter, 1997).