EXPOSURE RATE REDUCTION ON BIKINI ISLAND
DUE TO CONCRETE DWELLINGS
INTRODUCTION
During the May 1972 AEC sponsored resurvey of Bikini Atoll
measurements were made to determine the reduction of exposure rates
at dwelling sites due to the shielding effect of the concrete structures
being erected for occupancy by the returning Bikini people.
Exposure
rates were measured at several points around and within each dwelling
using a Baird Atomic NE-148 Scintillation Monitor 904-148, sodium
iodide system calibrated with respect to 13765,
The dwellings are constructed of wood and concrete.
The floors
are concrete slab, not extending beyond the walls of the houses.
The
concrete slab walls are pierced by windows and, on the longer sides,
by entrance ways.
The roofing is constructed of wood framing and
aluminum sheet.
Local sources of sand and coral aggregate suitable for use in
making conerete were identified by AEC prior to construction as having
the minimum radioactive material content of those available on the
atoll.
The architectural drawings of the dwellings that were developed
by the Office of Trust Territory, Department of Interior, in consultation
-with the Bikini people, were reviewed by the AEC staff.
Recommendations were
made that would reduce radiation levels and thus keep exposures as low
as feasible,