Rectangular Concrete Pressurized Room for Hyperbaric Oxygen Medical Treatment

HyperBaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy is a proven treatment for numerous medical conditions. HBO therapy is based on the premise that oxygen at pressure greater than atmospheric provides enhanced healing. The major cost component of any HBO treatment center is the structure that contains the elevated pressure. Conventional practice has been to use steel pressure vessel technology for fabrication of HBO chambers. Accordingly, HBO chambers are cylindrical in shape. Medical HBO practitioners want rectanglar rooms instead of cylindrical chambers. Patients are often frightened by the appearance of a large steel cylinder. Rectangular rooms give better space utilization and can be integrated directly into the hospital. The rectangular room cannot be economically constructed using conventional steel pressure vessel practice; but concrete offers an economic alternative. A USAF study showed cost savings potential of 70% using concrete. Commercialization of this technology awaits proof of concept. The objective of this study is to construct and test of a full size rectangular concrete pressure vessel for human occupance (RCPVHO). The Phase I technical objective is to develop a detailed design of a full size prototype RCPVHO. Construction drawings and specifications will be prepared and a testing plan generated.