Title:
Hospital Strengthened with Exterior Concrete Shearwalls
Author(s):
Joseph A. Baldelli
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
5
Issue:
9
Appears on pages(s):
28-31
Keywords:
concrete construction; dynamic structural analysis; earthquake resistant structures; hospitals; multistory buildings; renovation; shearwalls; shotcrete.
DOI:
Date:
9/1/1983
Abstract:
The rehabilitation of structures to meet new building code requirements has been the subject of debate since the first building code was revised. However, when the building is a hospital and the reason for changing the code is an earthquake, then a sense of urgency is added to the debate. In earthquake areas, the extent of the alterations or additions generally determines the seismic strengthening required: only major alterations, additions, or a change in occupancy require the existing building to be brought up to current code requirements. In California, however, the State Hospital Code now requires that the entire structure be strengthened to conform to current code provisions if any structural additions or alterations are made. The Veterans Administration, with hospitals throughout the United States, has been the leader in requiring seismic analysis and strengthening if necessary, regardless of the extent of alterations or additions.