Seismic Fragility Analysis of Freestanding Hospital Cabinets Based on Shaking Table Tests

Abstract

The severe damage and functionality loss of hospitals resulting from damage to hospital nonstructural components and medical equipment are frequently reported following earthquakes. Thus, there is an increasing need to understand the performance of medical equipment during an earthquake. In the current study, we conducted a series of shaking table tests to evaluate the seismic performance of three different types of freestanding hospital cabinets. Several earthquake inputs and floor finishing materials were considered to investigate seismic responses, including the acceleration, displacement, and rotation of the cabinets. The seismic damage limit states of the hospital cabinets and inside contents were identified based on test results. Moreover, the corresponding seismic fragility curves of the hospital cabinets under different damage states were developed based on experimental data. The developed seismic fragility models of hospital cabinets can be used in the seismic performance assessments and seismic resilience evaluations of hospital buildings.