Research by Ippei Maruyama and an international team into radiation-induced volumetric expansion (RIVE) on concrete shows that the crystallisation effect in concrete exposed to neutron radiation in a nuclear power environment largely mitigates the expansion and damage to the structure.
Exposing material samples to neutron flux in the LVR-15 research reactor in the Czech Republic showed that due to the recrystallisation effect, the structure is able to heal itself.
It is thus recommended that concrete samples from decommissioned nuclear plants be studied to observe the RIVE effects and validate the findings, which would provide greater guarantees for the lifespan of nuclear power plant infrastructure.
The work supports increasing sustainability and safety claims for nuclear power infrastructure.
