On the Upgrading of Hospitals in Mexico City by Using Buckling-Restrained Braces

In this study, numerical analyses are carried out in hypothetic existent hospitals located in the lakebed zone of Mexico City. First, the performance of conventional hospitals is assessed using incremental nonlinear dynamic analysis with multiple earthquake records. Then, the hospitals are upgraded using buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) in order to explore the benefits of using these devices in the buildings. The results show that BRBs reduce significantly the dynamic response parameters on the hospitals. It is also observed that BRBs reduce both the probability of collapse and of loss of functionality; which are of paramount importance in these facilities. Finally, a parametric study is conducted in conventional and dual SDOF systems in order to determine the period range on which existent hospitals, located in the lakebed zone of Mexico City, may be benefitted from being upgraded using BRBs.