Santon Block, Whakatane Hospital, NZ

Whakatane Hospital Santon Block Seismic Assessment

Client: Buller George Turkington Engineers

Despite recently being identified as an earthquake prone building, the Santon Block remains a significant asset to Whakatane Hospital. COMPUSOFT ENGINEERING was engaged to conduct a detailed assessment of the expected performance of the existing structure and to develop retrofit concepts to allow continued use of the Santon Block.

Compusoft developed a detailed model of the Santon Block in the finite element package SAP2000. Non-linear pushover analyses were conducted to identify the hierarchy of strength of the existing structure, with attention focussed on accurate assessment of the shear strengths of joints and columns. Conceptual retrofit plans were then developed that would allow continued use of the Santon Block in a number of different roles. Retrofit options evaluated included use of viscous dampers, post-tensioning of columns, and wrapping beams to enhance shear strength.