Seismic analysis of medical equipment in Ospedale Mauriziano (Torino): a resilience-based approach

Abstract

Seismic vulnerability assessment is highly needed in the field of nonstructural components due to the key role they play, not only in terms of life safety, but also in terms of functionality and economic losses. In case of strategic buildings, and particularly hospitals, functionality strongly depends on a complex network of electrical, mechanical and specialty equipment, which are necessary to cope with the post-earthquake emergency state and ensure resilience. In this paper, results from seismic analyses performed on a major hospital (Ospedale Mauriziano) in Torino, Italy, are presented. First, facilities and medical equipment essential for the operational continuity of the hospital have been identified. Therefore, focusing on the Emergency Department, a case study concerning the seismic analysis of a Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scan has been developed and is here illustrated. Seismic verifications for the ultimate limit state (ULS) and the serviceability limit state (SLS) have been carried out in order to assess both the integrity and functionality of the CAT scan under earthquake loading. The proposed verification methodology is in agreement with the current Italian building code (NTC 2018) as well as with the most recent criteria and recommendations from international seismic standards.