Shielding Factors for Gamma Radiation from Activity Deposited on Structures and Ground Surfaces

A computer model DEPSHIELD for the calculation of shielding factors for gamma radiation at indoor residences in multistorey and single-family houses has been developed. The model is based on the exponential point kernel that links the radiation flux density at a given detector point to a point-source strength. The radiation sources considered in the model are fallout radioactivity deposited on roofs, outer walls, and ground surfaces. For any combination of source strength on roof, outer wall, and ground surface, the model calculates shielding factors for specified photon energies. The input data are the dimensions of the house, the thickness of the walls and floors, the window dimensions, and the size of the surrounding ground surface. The fallout source strength on the surfaces is allowed to have different values due to different deposition velocities to these surfaces. This feature of the model also makes it possible to determine the dose reduction effect from a decontamination of the different surfaces. The model has been used in a study of the consequences of land contamination of Danish territory after hypothetical core-melt accidents at the Barseback nuclear power plant in Sweden. The model has also been used to calculate shielding factors for typical houses in the other Nordic countries