TRIUMF ARIEL (Advanced Rare Isotope Laboratory)

This complex laboratory, located on the University of British Columbia campus, has a concrete structure and a steel roof that accommodates a four-storey Target Hall.

The challenge put to the team was to develop a solution that minimizes differential settlement while providing a shield from the radioactive material. Working in close collaboration with Chernoff Thompson Architects, Bush Bohlman responded by devising a large raft solution. It consists of a mass concrete raft slab and wall elements up to 1.2 metres thick for both strength and radiation shielding. Overall, the facility contains more than 5000 cubic metres of concrete.

A tunnel connects the main facility to the existing Accelerator Building, which accommodates a renovated Electron Hall laboratory area containing massive cast-in-place concrete block elements. Auxiliary buildings to the main facility include three steel structures—including the two-storey Stores Building—a two-storey Compressor Building with bike facilities, and a single-storey Badge Building that is designed as a movable structure.

By providing a viable solution to a complex problem, Bush Bohlman was integral in bringing this important research and production laboratory to life.