Self-consistent numerical evaluation of concrete shielding activation for proton therapy systems

Abstract Due to the advancement of proton therapy for cancer treatment, there has been a worldwide increase in construction treatment facilities. Therapy centres are often coupled with clinical, biological or material-science research programs. Research activities require beams at energies spanning an extensive range higher beam currents and longer irradiation times than clinical conditions. Additionally, next-generation systems evolving towards more compact designs. In addition increased centres’ workloads, reducing system size produces significant number secondary particles per unit volume time. Therefore, activation level materials constituting those future is expected be higher, increasing ambient dose amount radioactive waste collected end centre’s lifetime. These operating conditions pose new challenges shielding design reduction concrete activation. To tackle them, we propose novel approach seamlessly simulate all processes relevant evaluation using, as illustration, Ion Beam Applications Proteus $$^\circledR $$ ® One system. A realistic model developed using Delivery Simulation (BDSIM), Geant4-based particle tracking code. It allows single primary beamline, its surroundings, particle-matter interactions. The code library database FISPACT-II computation by solving rate equations ENDF-compliant group data nuclear reactions, particle-induced spontaneous fission yields, decay. As input, provided fluences scored BDSIM Monte Carlo simulations. This applied centre Charleroi, Belgium. Results compare evolution clearance long-lived nuclide concentrations throughout facility lifetime when regular newly Low Activation Concrete (LAC). comparison initial dimensioning performed walls validate methodology highlight clear benefits integrating LAC inserts design. effectiveness coupling gives glimpse possibility complete study following actual workloads centre, allowing better assessment any time lifespan.