A Physical-organizational Method for the Functionality Assessment of A Hospital Subjected to Earthquakes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hospitals play vital roles in mitigation and recovery in earthquake-hit communities. This paper aims to clarify the effect of physical damage on hospital organizations and represent a holistic method for the functionality assessment of a hospital. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated based on the case study of a general hospital. The results indicate that the functionality of hospitals would be significantly affected after the maximum considered earthquake. A considerable gap exists between the hospital treatment capacity and the patient demand for medical services. The method will assist hospital stakeholders and managers in design and upgrade criteria selection. Abbreviation: CT: Imaging Procedure; DBE: Design Basis Earthquake; DES: Discrete Event Simulation; DR: Digital Radiography; EDPs: Engineering Demand Parameters; HVAC: Heating Ventilation and Air Conditions; MCE: Maximum Considered Earthquake; OR: Operation Room; PFA: Peak Floor Acceleration; PFV: Peak Floor Velocity; PIDR: Peak Inter-story Drift ratio; RC: Reinforced Concrete; RIDR: Residual Inter-story Drift Ratio; RR: Resuscitation Room; SLE: Service Level Earthquake; UPS: Uninterruptible Power Supply; US: Ultrasound Room; WT: Waiting Time