Title: Seismic Upgrading of Hospital Buildings No. 6 and 7, VA Medical Center, Bedford, Mass

Author(s): Zareh B. Gregorian and Garen B. Gregorian.

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 160

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 131-148

Keywords: earthquake-resistant structures; hospitals; renovating; shearwalls; stress analysis; Construction

DOI: 10.14359/1550

Date: 6/1/1996

Abstract:
Prior to the upgrading the seismic zoning of Massachusetts, not much attention was given to new or existing structures in the east coast with regard to seismic design and strengthening. Strengthening existing structures undergoing renovations has become mandatory for all government owned and operated buildings. This paper is the result of strength evaluation of two VA hospital buildings which are planned to undergo major renovations. Various options were considered for seismic strengthening of the two existing reinforced concrete frame structures, built in the 1930s without any earthquake load design considerations. Adding interior shearwalls, exterior buttresses, steel cross bracings, and base isolation proved to be complex, costly, and undesirable for architectural reasons. Use of peripheral shearwalls, attached to existing concrete frames was considered as a final solution for strengthening.