Effective density and mass attenuation coefficient for building material in Brazil

This paper presents values for density and mass attenuation coefficient of building materials commonly used in Brazil. Transmission measurements were performed to provide input information for simulations with MCNP4B code. The structure for the clay bricks was simulated as a mix of all material layers and an effective density determined. The mass attenuation coefficients were determined for the 50–3000 keV gamma-ray energy range. A comparison with results for similar materials found in the literature showed good agreement.