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Linear Accelerator Vault

Client

Advocate Aurora Health

Industry

Healthcare

Delivery Method

CM at Risk

Architect

Matthei & Colin

Project Profile

Michuda Construction successfully completed the renovation of the LINAC Vault 1 and adjacent control room within the oncology department at Advocate Christ Medical Center. The project required precision coordination between architectural, mechanical, electrical, and medical equipment vendors—including Varian and Brainlab—to accommodate the installation of a next-generation Varian Linear Accelerator with multiple treatment modalities.

This project also marked a full-circle moment for Michuda Construction, having originally built the hospital’s first LINAC vault 18 years ago. The latest renovation reinforces Michuda’s long-standing partnership with Advocate Health and its continued role as a trusted partner for complex radiation oncology projects.



Michuda Construction, serving as Construction Manager at Risk, oversaw the complete renovation and upgrade of the existing LINAC vault, integrating state-of-the-art radiation therapy equipment and control room improvements while maintaining hospital operations in adjacent suites.


Key Elements of the Project:


  • Extensive MEP Coordination: Installation of underground mechanical and electrical systems to support the new Varian LINAC, HDR, and Brainlab ExactTrack X-Ray system.

  • Power & Cooling Infrastructure: Implementation of a chilled-water cooling system, power conditioning units, and an uninterruptible power supply to meet precise equipment demands.

  • Architectural Detailing: Integration of complex millwork, including custom radiation-shielded doors and architectural finishes that balance safety and aesthetics.

  • Ceiling Height Variations: Adapted multiple ceiling elevations to accommodate differing equipment, conduit paths, and shielding requirements.

  • Structural & Shielding Upgrades: Reinforced existing vault walls and ceilings to meet updated radiation protection standards.


CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS


Multi-Vendor Coordination


Challenge: Coordinating design and installation requirements from multiple medical equipment manufacturers with unique specifications.


Solution: Michuda’s preconstruction and field teams led joint coordination sessions with Varian, Brainlab, and GBA engineers to align MEP, structural, and architectural systems prior to fabrication.


Complex MEP Underground Work


Challenge: Routing new underground conduit and chilled-water piping within a confined, shielded environment.


Solution: Utilized precision saw-cutting and vacuum excavation techniques to preserve existing infrastructure and maintain vault integrity.


Occupied Oncology Department


Challenge: Maintaining uninterrupted cancer treatment operations adjacent to the construction zone.


Solution: Implemented strict ICRA barriers, off-hour work schedules, and continuous monitoring to eliminate dust, vibration, and noise disruptions.


VALUE-ADDED HIGHLIGHTS


  • Seamless integration of next-gen radiation therapy technology within an active hospital environment.

  • Maintained zero patient disruptions during construction.

  • Reaffirmed Michuda’s legacy as Advocate Christ’s trusted healthcare construction partner—nearly two decades after completing the hospital’s original LINAC vault.

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