Seismic Isolation Retrofit of a Medical Complex by Integrating Two Large-Scale Buildings

Abstract eng:
We developed a methodology of the seismic isolation for retrofitting a group of buildings in one unit using post-tensioned cables, and evaluated their safety and functionary based on the performance based design. We applied this methodology to two large-scale buildings of Hamamatsu Medical Center, which are the first hospital retrofitted by the seismic isolation in Japan. The two buildings are both steel-reinforced concrete frame structures of the nine-story on the ground and the one-story on the underground level. They were constructed in 1973 and 1975, based on the old building code before 1981. In the proposed retrofit scheme, the two buildings were integrated into one structural unit by connecting together at each floor by using post-tensioned cables through slabs. We confirmed that the integration worked well by comparing microtremors of the buildings before and after the integration. Seismic isolation devices were set up mainly in columns of the underground level. We adopted the temporary supporting method using post-tensioned units to install the devices safely and economically (Masuzawa et al., 2004). In the seismic design phase, we first simulated the broadband input earthquake ground motions for a hypothetical M8-class earthquake in the vicinity of the site, using a hybrid method (Hisada, 2000, etc.). Finally, we confirmed the safety and functionary of the medical center by evaluating the seismic performance of the buildings, based on the time history seismic response analysis.

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