Abstract:

This paper presents a method that can analyze earthquake response of typical non-structural components in a hospital. Wheel-movable, free-standing and desk-mounted equipment typically found in emergency rooms, intensive care units and operating rooms were modeled and restraints were designed to minimize or eliminate rolling, sliding and overturning. The method utilizing rigid bodies subjected to inertial forces due to earthquake was introduced and validated using simple analytical computations and numerical experiments. Examples show that non-slip mats are effective in restraining equipment that are unlikely to overturn while the 1⁄4”-diameter bungee cord with optimal orientation or pre-tensioning significantly reduces the acceleration response of the equipment. Heavy equipment, like the 175-kg medical cabinet, may be restrained using bolts or 4-mm accessory cord. This study recommends that soft materials be attached to the equipment at points of possible collision with the wall in order to prevent further damage and large displacement of the equipment.

Keywords: earthquake, furniture, hospital, simulation