A new high quality acute hospital, using sustainable construction methods. The new healthcare facility accommodates clinical wards, office space, educational facilities, and a wellbeing hub.
Western General Hospital, LINAC
This project consisted of providing two additional linear accelerator treatment bunkers and administration accommodation at Western General Hospital.
Healthcare - Scotland
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Project Overview
This 2-storey centre is to extend the existing Cancer Treatment Centre at the Western General Hospital to provide 2 additional linear accelerator (LINAC) Treatment bunkers and Admin accommodation. One of the key design features is to remove the clinical feel of the building as much as possible while still providing a compliant healthcare facility. This helps to reduce patient anxiety while being cared for or receiving treatment within the service.
The project involves the construction of two Linac Bunkers to provide the necessary shielding for cancer treatment to be provided. Thick reinforced concrete walls and roof slab are required to achieve the required radiation absorption.
The Challenge
1. Thermal cracking of thick concrete elements
2. Avoiding straight joints through concrete bunkers
Our Solution
1. The use of cement replacement products (GGBS) to reduce the height gain of the concrete, installation of thermocouples within the concrete pour to allow monitoring of temperatures and the delayed stripping of shutters to insulate the concrete and prevent a large temperature gradient through the concrete
2. Joints were designed with a key to remove any straight joints through concrete walls which could potentially be a pathway for radiation to escape