Medical Physics Bunker

Education

CWM Project

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Construction of a Medical Physics Bunker on the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston Campus to house the UK’s first High Flux Accelerator-Driven Neutron Facility – the first of its kind in the UK and only the second in the world – the other located in Helsinki, Finland.

The new facility was constructed into the existing bank of land, 8 metres below ground level by the erection of a steel frame and the installation of a concrete structure – with a 450mmm thick floor, 600m thick walls and a 300mm thick floor slab on top. In addition to this, specialist radiation doors were installed.

This structure aims to provide maximum security and protection from radiation, as well as security.

We installed a gantry crane and roller shutter to enable the installation of the High Flux Accelerator, which was lifted into place. We returned to site later in the year to install a wall in place of the shutter, sealing the highly specialised equipment safely into its final location.

Located on a live university campus and adjacent the Physics East Building which forms part of The School of Physics and Astronomy, we carefully liaised with neighbouring university staff to ensure deliveries and site movements did not impact on their day-to-day activities.

We co-ordinated the mechanical and electrical works with our specialist M&E Contractor and the adjacent Neutron Therapeutics department to ensure the services were installed within the required locations.

The adjacent building (Physics East Building) remained operational throughout and to ensure no disruption was made to their sensitive and crucial studies of testing for the NHS, we took great care to ensure their essential planned works proceeded with no impact caused by the construction works.