Publications
Showing 98 results for Author: Yann M. Le Pape
Apr, 2026
Journal
Investigation of ion irradiation effects on mineral analogues of concrete aggregates
Irradiation can cause prominent damage to reactor concrete aggregates leading to amorphization, strength and modulus decrease, radiation induced volume expansion (RIVE) and micro-cracking, which limits their long-term performance. To develop an improved understanding of irradiation effects in concrete, three mineral analogues of concrete aggregates (limestone, marble and q…
Mar, 2026
Conference Paper
EFFECTS OF MINERAL COMPOSITION ON THE STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF IN-SERVICE IRRADIATED CONCRETE BIOLOGICAL SHIELD
In this work, different types of magmatic rocks used in the construction of concrete biological shields in pressurized water reactors were analyzed for their susceptibility to irradiation damage, determined by the irradiation damage depth in the concrete biological shield after 80 years of operation. The results are as follows: ultrafelsic igneous rocks (e.g., granite) are…
Feb, 2026
Journal
Radiation damages the silicates present in polyphasic mineral aggregates causing concrete’s degradation
While many U.S. nuclear power plants have submitted Subsequent License Renewal Application to operate beyond 60 years, others are already considering Operations Beyond Eighty years. In such cases, concrete biological shields are exposed to neutron and gamma radiation exceeding prescribed thresholds. Radiation-induced volumetric expansion (RIVE), extensively studied in sing…
Jul, 2025
ORNL Report
Concrete Harvesting: Potential Opportunities, Timelines, and Updates for FY 24
Sep, 2024
Journal
Silicon ion radiation as a viable surrogate for emulating neutron radiation damage in silicates
Nuclear power plants are aging around the world, and a precise assessment of irradiation damage in their components is needed. One key component, concrete, and specifically the silicates in its aggregates, can undergo significant expansion upon neutron radiation, which can lead to cracking and, ultimately, structural failure. However, assessing and predicting the extent of…
Sep, 2024
ORNL Report
High-resolution 3D simulation of irradiated concrete – Considerations on flux effects