1. Disaster Mitigation
in Health Facilities:
Wind Effects
Nonstructural Issues

2. Nonstructural elements to consider when assessing vulnerability
ARCHITECTURAL
EQUIPMENT
BASIC INSTALLATIONS
Façades
Roof covers
Parapets
Chimneys
Plaster
Glass windows
Attachments (signs, antennae,etc)
Ornaments
Canopies
Railings
Doors and exit routes
Medical equipment
Industrial equipment
Supplies
Office equipment
Medical and industrial gases
Air conditioning
Electrical generator
Hydraulic networks
Electric networks

3. Nonstructural vulnerability assessment methods
Previous experience
Visual inspection
Data collection
Non-destructive tests
Mathematical models
Structural analysis and design
Wind tunnel analysis
Retrofitting recommendations
Equipment classification

4. Standards and codes must cover components and claddings
The trend for international standards is to adopt and adapt the ASCE-7 approach for components and claddings.

5. Design pressure for components and cladding and design force for special and open structures (ASCE-7)
Design pressure
p = qh [(GCp) - (GCpi)]
Design force
F = qzGCf Af
Towers, signs, tanks, silos

6. Criteria for equipment classification
Indispensable: Equipment that can not easily or economically be replaced and is essential for the provision of health services.
Essential: Similar to indispensable equipment, except that it can be replaced easily or cheaply.
Hazardous: Equipment that can injure people and damage objects.
Chaotic: Equipment whose failure may cause disruption
to its environs.
Functional: Equipment that is not used for emergency
health care.

7. Hipped roof recommended over flat roof

8. Gabled roof with slopes of 20 to 30 degrees are preferred against hurricanes
Hatched area indicates
where more frequent
fixings are required
PLAN
ISOMETRIC
Gabled roof

9. Connection details between metal sheet roof and purlins
Metal sheet fixings and
purlin-to-rafter connection
Spacer block
Self-tapping screw
Metal sheeting
purlin
Galvanized hurricane strap
fixed to rafter and purlin
Rafter
Ridge connection
Valley connection

10. Typical connection system between metal sheet roof and masonry wall

11. Nonstructural elements are not designed to resist direct loads
Failure of an unreinforced masonry wall without an adequate base anchorage
Nonstructural elements are not designed to resist direct loads

12. Shutters protect against the penetration of flying objects and water

13. For a hospital it is essential to have protection against penetration of windborne debris and water

14. Anchorage of protective shutters on outside walls

15. Anchorage system of shutters on interior columns

16. Exterior doors must be protected against internal and external pressures through adequate anchorages

17. Window deformations due to the impact of windborne debris

18. Impact of windborne debris against louvre windows

19. An unprotected window is vulnerable in the event of a hurricane

20. Roll-up or permanent shutters are the best way to protect windows against hurricanes

21. Permanent window shutter details
ELEVATION
Storm shutter in open position
when closed
Surface bolts to secure
PLAN
fixed to frame
Shutter panels

22. Details of roll-up shutter
Housing chamber for
ELEVATION
CROSS SECTION
Shutter guide
roll-up shutter
Details of roll-up shutter

23. Adequate anchorage of hospital equipment will ensure continuous service

24. An example of good anchorage on exterior hospital equipment

25. Exterior equipment should be anchored with special bands

26. External oxygen and gas tanks should not be loose

27. Correct anchorage of external oxygen and gas tanks to walls

28. Restraints and fasteners for larger external equipment

29. Failure of a metallic roof cover and an unreinforced masonry wall

30. Metal sheet roof of a health center was destroyed by hurricane-force winds

31. Damage to the façade due to failure of a neighboring building

32. Windborne debris on a structure
A roof from a structure located 100 m away was violently thrown by the strong winds of a hurricane

33. Impact of windborne debris on a plywood hurricane shutter

34. Windborne debris perforates shutter and glass behind it

35. Health center damaged by a water tank thrown by hurricane winds

36.  Pan American Health Organization, 2005
These slides have been made possible through the financial support of the Disaster Preparedness Program of the Humanitarian Aid Office, ECHO (DIPECHO-III)
Grupo de Estabilidad Estructural (Ge2) / INTEC
Ave Los Próceres, Galá
Apdo 349-2
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Ph: (809)
Fax: (809)