Title: Townsville Hospital Redevelopment Oncology Bunkers - A Case Study In “Crack Free” Concrete

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/13/2011

Abstract:
Townsville Hospital has been redeveloped on a greenfield site adjacent to James Cook University on the outskirts of Townsville. This major building project, which won an IEAust Award for Excellence in 2002, has a total floor area of 57,000 m2. While conventional in-situ reinforced concrete proved to be the most cost effective for the structure generally, the radiation containment for the Oncology Bunkers posed a particular challenge, requiring special consideration. After considering several design options using alternative materials, the use of standard density concrete was selected as being most practical, with least risk, and thus the most cost effective. To provide the required level of radiation containment, using concrete with a density of about 2,300 kg/m2, concrete sections had to be up to 2,400 mm thick. The paper describes how the designers, working closely with the building contractor, subcontractors, and concrete supplier achieved the objective.