Resumen
Colombia is one of the most seismically active regions in South America, exposing critical
infrastructure to high seismic risks. Hospitals, which must remain operational during and after
seismic events, are particularly vulnerable. Currently, 84% of Colombia’s public hospitals in high
and intermediate seismic hazard zones need structural reinforcement to meet current safety
standards. This study explores the potential of using Buckling-Restrained Braces (BRBs) as a costeffective retrofit solution for hospitals in seismic regions of Colombia. A representative hospital
in a high-seismic zone is selected to model BRB applications under realistic conditions. Field data
on the hospital’s structure and materials inform the development of nonlinear finite element
models for both the original and retrofitted structures. These models undergo nonlinear dynamic
simulations using regional seismic records. Results show that BRBs significantly improve seismic
performance and cost-efficiency for hospital retrofitting in seismic regions. The life-cycle cost
analysis reveals a 27% reduction in 50-year losses compared to hospitals with no retrofitting. These
improvements, along with reduced repair costs and downtime, highlight the effectiveness of BRBs
in strengthening hospitals. This study provides insights for decision-makers, showing that BRBs
are a financially viable solution for ensuring hospitals remain operational after seismic events.
infrastructure to high seismic risks. Hospitals, which must remain operational during and after
seismic events, are particularly vulnerable. Currently, 84% of Colombia’s public hospitals in high
and intermediate seismic hazard zones need structural reinforcement to meet current safety
standards. This study explores the potential of using Buckling-Restrained Braces (BRBs) as a costeffective retrofit solution for hospitals in seismic regions of Colombia. A representative hospital
in a high-seismic zone is selected to model BRB applications under realistic conditions. Field data
on the hospital’s structure and materials inform the development of nonlinear finite element
models for both the original and retrofitted structures. These models undergo nonlinear dynamic
simulations using regional seismic records. Results show that BRBs significantly improve seismic
performance and cost-efficiency for hospital retrofitting in seismic regions. The life-cycle cost
analysis reveals a 27% reduction in 50-year losses compared to hospitals with no retrofitting. These
improvements, along with reduced repair costs and downtime, highlight the effectiveness of BRBs
in strengthening hospitals. This study provides insights for decision-makers, showing that BRBs
are a financially viable solution for ensuring hospitals remain operational after seismic events.
| Idioma original | Inglés |
|---|---|
| Estado | Publicada - 2025 |
| Evento | 19th World Conference on Seismic Isolation Energy Dissipation and Active Vibration Control of Structures - Berkeley, Estados Unidos Duración: 15 sep. 2025 → … |
Conferencia
| Conferencia | 19th World Conference on Seismic Isolation Energy Dissipation and Active Vibration Control of Structures |
|---|---|
| País/Territorio | Estados Unidos |
| Ciudad | Berkeley |
| Período | 15/09/25 → … |