Derriford Hospital LINAC bunker built with radiation shielding aggregate
Tilbury Douglas is delivering a major extension to the Plymouth Oncology Centre at Derriford Hospital, utilising LKAB Minerals’ MagnaDense heavy aggregate to provide safe and effective radiation shielding. Central to the project is the construction of a new decant bunker designed to house a £1.9 million replacement linear accelerator (LINAC).
LINAC bunkers, commonly referred to as radiotherapy bunkers, house equipment used primarily in the treatment of cancer. It is essential that these facilities provide the correct level of radiation shielding to prevent high-energy radiation from escaping the treatment room. Achieving this typically requires very thick concrete walls and ceilings, which can result in large building footprints and increased structural demands.
"The Derriford project is a good example of how and when MagnaDense can be used cost effectively when spaces is at a premium."
– Mark Moriarty, Sales Manager at LKAB Minerals
Constructed on the site of a former car park, the new bunker incorporates specialist structural framing systems (SFS), enhanced fire protection measures and a high-performance, shielded concrete design. More than 1,400 tonnes of MagnaDense concrete have been used to deliver the required radiation protection while reducing wall thickness in critical areas exposed to the LINAC’s high-energy primary beams.
"It's such a confined are, we were constrained with the room that we had, which meant that MagnaDense was the only real way of ensuring radiation paths were not breached."
– Adrain Izod, Project Manager at Tilbury Douglas
In addition to housing the new LINAC, the decant bunker has been designed with future flexibility in mind. It will enable the phased replacement of the Oncology Department’s existing LINACs, ensuring continuity of radiotherapy services with no disruption to patient care.
"It's great to know that what we've built together using MagnaDense will make a real difference for cancer patients."
– Mark Moriarty
MagnaDense high-density aggregate continues to demonstrate its value in delivering safe, space-efficient radiation shielding for complex projects like the Derriford Hospital LINAC bunker. To explore more innovative applications of MagnaDense, access technical resources, and see how LKAB Minerals is supporting responsible construction, visit our MagnaDense page and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest insights, project updates, and success stories.
