Minimun Wall thickness for Radiology Department in Hospitals

[skelly22]

Hi all
I am looking for some guidance on the minimum wall thickness for Radiology Department in Hospitals. We're designing a new radiology department. The walls will be reinforced concrete. I’m trying to find recommendations or preferably design codes that cover this. I live in Ireland so BS standards would be the preference but any codes relevant would be a good starting point
Thanks

 

[skelly22]

i should have added that it is for diagnostic equipment rather than treatment equipment
Thanks

 

[WillisV]

We have used up to 18" for powerful magnetic type equipment and some owners/manufacturers have required the use of FRP reinforcement in lieu of standards rebar.

 

[SperlingPE]

Depends on the equipment.
Most equipment installs usually end up with a metal lining on the walls.
On special diagnostic equipment, linear accelerator, a physicist will have to be consulted on the wall thickness and reinforcing locations

 

[Bagman2524]

Try the NRC's (nrc.gov) website. This should fall under their jurisdiction.

 

[Ron]

skelly22....the thickness will be dictated by the material used and its shielding capability for radiation. As an example, if the acceptable level of radiation outside the wall is x millirems, and the equipment puts out 10x millirems just inside the wall, then the wall thickness and material have to attenuate that difference. Also, since radiation is a form of light wave, a large room with the equipment in the center needs less shielding than a small room, since the radiation decline is by the square of the distance from its source.

Most diagnostic equipment is generative x-rays, with shorter wavelengths and limited penetrating capability in solid walls (concrete). Treatment equipment often uses highly powerful radioisotopes that can penetrate steel and concrete with relative ease.

Generally you are probably looking at concrete wall thicknesses in the 16 to 20 inch range for treatment, but significantly less for diagnostic equipment. You can cut the thickness by providing lead or other metallic shielding inside the wall. Don't forget to treat the corners/joints for shielding as well.

 

[skelly22]

id better get in contact with the manufacturers so and see what information they can give me!!

Thanks for all the help