MIL-HDBK-1191
5.4
Site Conditions & Soils Investigations. Soil Investigation
Program. Conduct soil investigations in accordance with TM 5-818-1 (reference
R). If arctic or sub-arctic construction conditions are present at the site,
the program will address the provisions for building foundations contained in
TM 5-852-1 (reference S) and TM 5-852-4 (reference T), respectively.
5.4.1
Seismic Geologic Site Hazards. Seismic geologic site hazards
include surface fault rupture, soil liquefaction, soil differential compaction
(or settlement), landsliding, and flooding. Use TI 809-04 (reference D) to
define requirements for seismic hazard screening.
5.4.2
Site-Specific Seismic Ground Motion Study. Use TI 809-04 (reference
D) to determine when a site-specific seismic ground motion study is required,
and the required scope of the study. Retain a qualified geotechnical seismic
ground motion specialist to conduct these site-specific studies. Complete the
study during the early preliminary stage of the soil investigation program so
the results will be available during the structural system selection process.
5.5
Additional Design Considerations. Several aspects of structural
design typically associated with medical facilities are addressed below. It is
essential that structural design considerations enter into the earliest stages
of concept planning and design, to assure compatibility with medical function,
and the building architectural and equipment features.
5.5.1
Open Area Concept. Provide column-free functional areas as
appropriate. Long-span structural construction usually increases functional
area openness and flexibility. Although exceptionally long spans or special
long span structural techniques are generally more costly (in terms of first
cost), designers should give consideration to the life cycle cost benefits
provided by the additional flexibility.
5.5.2
Acoustical Design Considerations. Noise attenuation is an
important consideration in the structural design of health care facilities.
Structural elements can be both transmitters and attenuators of sound, and
therefore must be considered into the acoustical design of each project.
Refer to Section 23 of this Military Handbook for additional information.
5.5.3
Vibration. The vibration response of the structure requires
special consideration. Vibration factors qualify the geometry of the building
and affect its lateral load resistance. Designs must consider the vibration
potentials of floor and roof framing and floor systems, and the overall
structure, to assure adequate isolation and damping of vibrations produced by
HVAC equipment, emergency generators, elevator equipment, and other machinery
and equipment. In addition to assuring a living environment free from
distracting or annoying vibrations, designers must be aware of the
requirements of vibration sensitive equipment, such as analytic scales,
optical equipment, electronic equipment and X-ray machines.
5.6
Seismic Design Considerations. Building configuration plays an
important role in the performance of the structure when subjected to seismic
ground motion. For this reason, seismic considerations may require limits on
the height and configuration of some structural system types. Optimal seismic
resistance and performance is obtained with a symmetrically configured
structural framing system. A system with a symmetric and uniformly
distributed placement of frames, shear walls, braced frames and wall openings
will be more effective and efficient in resisting lateral forces and, more
importantly, in reducing horizontal torsional moments. For these reasons,
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