Heavyweight concrete is a specialized construction material widely used in facilities requiring protection against ionizing radiation and the ability to withstand high structural loads. The primary characteristics of heavyweight concrete are determined by the use of high-density aggregates such as barite, magnetite, hematite, ilmenite, limonite, and serpentine, each offering distinct advantages and limitations in terms of mechanical performance, durability, and radiation shielding capability. This study aims to analyze and compare various types of heavyweight aggregates used in heavyweight concrete and evaluate their influence on the mechanical properties and long-term durability of concrete. The research employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach using the PRISMA framework. A total of 15 scientific articles published between 2020 and 2026 were selected from Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The review process consisted of identification, screening, selection, and synthesis stages based on their relevance to heavyweight aggregates, concrete mechanical properties, durability, and radiation shielding performance. The findings indicate that magnetite and hematite exhibit superior mechanical performance, characterized by higher compressive strength and elastic modulus values, while barite demonstrates the most effective gamma-ray attenuation capability. Ilmenite provides excellent resistance to aggressive environments containing sulfates and chlorides, whereas limonite and serpentine are particularly effective for neutron shielding due to their hydrogen-rich composition. In the Indonesian context, magnetite and ilmenite emerge as the most promising alternatives because of their abundant local availability and competitive technical performance. This study concludes that the selection of heavyweight aggregates should simultaneously consider structural requirements and radiation protection demands. Furthermore, hybrid formulations combining multiple heavyweight aggregates offer significant potential for optimizing the overall performance of heavyweight concrete and represent a promising direction for future infrastructure and nuclear-related applications.
Copyrights © 2026