Relocatable radiation vault and methods of assembly and use

Abstract

A temporary radiotherapy facility for use during renovation, upgrading, and/or modernization of an existing facility. The radiotherapy facility is integrated with radiation producing equipment and radiation shielding vaults. The structural elements and their arrangement enable compliance with applicable codes for this type of facility and provide an ability to maintain radiotherapy treatment continuity during equipment transition.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A radiation shielding vault, comprising:
 a foundation comprising a pattern of reinforced concrete beams recessed below the surrounding grade;   a plurality of modules supported by the foundation and connected so as to form a central treatment area adapted for human occupation and a radiation shielding barrier substantially surrounding the central treatment area; and   a radiation emitting device in the central treatment area.   
     
     
         2 . The vault of  claim 1  wherein the modules are supported above the surrounding grade via a plurality of supports extending vertically from the beams. 
     
     
         3 . The vault of  claim 1  wherein the pattern includes interconnected beams extending in different directions. 
     
     
         4 . The vault of  claim 3  wherein the pattern includes interconnected beams extending in generally orthogonal directions. 
     
     
         5 . The vault of  claim 1  wherein at least two spaced apart beams provide a foundation for a pair of spaced apart shear walls. 
     
     
         6 . The vault of  claim 5  wherein the shear walls bear the load of shielding material supported above the central area. 
     
     
         7 . The vault of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of modules are connected to said foundation by the use of a mounting plate inserted into slots formed in said beams. 
     
     
         8 . A radiation shielding vault, comprising:
 a central vault room having sidewalls;   a radiation emitting device in the central vault room; and   a structural platform for holding a quantity of radiation shielding material above the central vault room;   wherein the platform is supported by shear walls or structural members that are independent from the sidewalls of the central vault room.   
     
     
         9 . The vault of  claim 8  wherein the platform is disposed between two trusses. 
     
     
         10 . The vault of  claim 8  wherein the shear walls or structural members are supported by grade beams. 
     
     
         11 . The vault of  claim 10  wherein the radiation emitting equipment is supported by a first grade beam and the shear walls or structural members are supported by a pair of second grade beams that are independent from the first grade beam. 
     
     
         12 . The vault of  claim 10  wherein radiation shielding material is provided between the shear walls and the sidewalls of the central vault room.