Seismic Design Observations from a study tour of Chilean base isolation hospitals

Описание: This webinar summarises observations from a recent study tour of base-isolated hospitals in Chile, carried out as part of a collaborative NZ-Chile research programme on the seismic design for healthcare infrastructure. Site visits to major hospitals including the Militar de Santiago, Sotero del Río, Provincia Cordillera, Félix Bulnes, and Alto Hospicio Hospitals, highlighted a diverse range of effective seismic design strategies implemented in a high seismicity context. The hospitals visited are seismically isolated using lead rubber bearings, with one hospital employing friction pendulum sliders.

A notable finding was the consistent high-performing design outcomes, often through approaches and design assumptions that differ from those commonly adopted in New Zealand, despite the absence of explicit performance-based justification at first glance.

The study also noted the important role of Chile’s construction monitoring practices, which appear to be well-integrated into the delivery process. These frameworks promote rigorous oversight during construction, contributing to the consistently high-quality buildings. This aspect of Chilean practice may offer valuable lessons for strengthening quality assurance in the New Zealand context.

Overall, the observations prompt useful reflection on New Zealand design conventions. The presentation also introduces the associated design comparison project currently underway.