Research and evaluation of natural radioactivity in steel slags for building materials and engineering backfill applications

Abstract

In this paper, the natural radioactivity of steel slags in Vietnam is presented in order to evaluate the potential applications of steel slags as building materials and backfill materials without environmental concerns. The presence of natural isotopes such as 226Ra, 232Th and40K in steel slag samples was determined. However, the calculation results of radioactivity index I of all tested samples are not exceeded nominated thersholds specified in both Finland standard named STUK ST 12.2/2012 and Vietnam standard named TCXDVN 397:2007 for building construction, lanfill and landscaping applications. It can therefore be concluded that steel slags in Vietnam are not radioactive waste and can be used as building materials and backfilling materials without environmetal risk in terms of natural radioactivity.