"High density concrete gives a composite shield for both neutron and gamma radiation. High density aggregates are the key ingredient in high density concrete. The most common aggregates used to achieve the required densities are Hematite (Fe2O3), Ilmenite (FeO TiO2), Magnetite (Fe3O4) and Steel Aggregate."
Of course none of that heavy stuff is normally in pc. According to Wikipedia,
| Material | Halving Thickness, inches | Halving Thickness, cm | Density, g/cm³ | Halving Mass, g/cm² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lead | 0.4 | 1.0 | 11.3 | 12 |
| concrete | 2.4 | 6.1 | 3.33 | 20 |
| steel | 0.99 | 2.5 | 7.86 | 20 |
| packed soil | 3.6 | 9.1 | 1.99 | 18 |
| water | 7.2 | 18 | 1.00 | 18 |
| lumber or other wood | 11 | 29 | 0.56 | 16 |
| air | 6000 | 15000 | 0.0012 | 18 |
Wood falls pretty low on the shielding scale, needing 11 inches to equal 2.4 inches of concrete or 3.6" of packed soil. Assuming that pc might fall somewhere between wood and concrete would indicate that a foot of papercrete might be equal to 1/2" of lead. Keeping in mind about assuming, and the fact that I'm not a nukular nginear, YMMV
Now a foot of papercrete bermed with a few feet of packed soil might do nicely as a fallout shelter. What I'm seeing on the news from Japan is that the biggest problem so far is contamination of the food and water supplies. They are telling the public that it is ok to consume small quantities, but you have to drink a lot of water to stay alive. I wonder how papercrete would work as a filter to remove fallout?
spaceman All opinions expressed or implied are subject to change without notice upon receipt of new information. http://Starship-Enterprises.Net
On 3/24/2011 1:32 PM, JUDITH WILLIAMS wrote:
I just saw the fallout shelter design on the Tiny House Blog. They rate the level of protection from radiation for several different materials. Does anyone have any thought of what papercrete would do and how it could be beefed up? I had thought while I was building that I would put a layer of lead on the roof but haven't done it. I am not paranoid about a nuclear emergency, just thought it would be good to be prepared.
"There are none happy in the world but being who enjoy freely a vast horizon." Damodora
Follow progress on the new project at http://www.papercretebyjudith.com/blog
More papercrete info at http://squidoo.com/papercretebyjudith
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1498/3526 - Release Date: 03/24/11
__._,_.___
