Disaster Mitigation in Health Facilities: Wind Effects Structural Issues Disaster Mitigation in Health Facilities: Wind Effects Structural Issues

2 Hurricane paths in the Caribbean Region during 1998

3 Hurricane Georges’ path

4 Hurricane Mitch’s path

5 Floods are a very important consequence of hurricanes

6 Natural hazards impact in health facilities ( ) According to the Pan American Health Organization, between 1981 and 2001 more than 100 hospitals and 650 health centers suffered serious damages as a result of natural disasters. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) reported direct economic losses of US$ 3,120 million. This could be compared to an extreme situation in which 20 countries in the region had each suffered the loss of 6 major hospitals and 25 health centers.

7 Hospitals are specially vulnerable to natural hazards  The occupancy rate is constant, 24 hours a day, year-round. It is almost impossible to evacuate a hospital in the event of an emergency.  The survival of some patients depends on the proper operation of the equipment and the continuity of basic services.  Hospitals are highly dependent on public utilities (water, electricity, communications, etc.) which are often interrupted by the effects of a disaster.  In emergencies and disasters, health facilities are essential and must continue to function after the event has taken place.

The ingredients a hurricane needs Warm water – above 80ºF Converging winds Unstable air Humid air being pulled into the storm(up to about 18,000 ft) Pre-existing winds coming from nearly the same direction An upper atmosphere high-pressure area helps pump away air rising in the storm

9 Hurricane stages during its path towards the Caribbean Region 9 Tropical Disturbance Tropical Depression Tropical Storm Tropical Storm Hurricane

10 Anemogram of Hurricane Georges

11 Saffir-Simpson scale for hurricane categories CategoryVelocity 1 minute (km/hr) Pressure (mb) Damages > 980Minimum 2150 – – 980Moderate 3175 – Extensive 4210 – Extreme 5> 250< 920Catastrophic

12 Hurricanes categories in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Region

13 Turbulent flow of wind on longitudinal and transverse sides of high-rise buildings

14 Turbulent flow on high-rise buildings due to upwind obstructions

15 Wind velocity increase due to large openings at lower floors

16 Wind flow on gabled roof buildings showing turbulence on leeward roof and walls

17 Wind’s basic pressure Dynamic part of Bernoulli’s basic equation

18 StandardIdentification ISOInternational Standard Organization CUBiCCaribbean Uniform Building Code ENVEurocode DRBCDominican Republic Building Code AIJJapan Standard ASAustralian Standard BNSCPBarbados Standard Different international design standards

19 Different calculations for design wind speeds and dynamic pressures AS BNSCP28 AIJ DRBC-03 ENV CUBiC ISO 4354 Building Pressure/Force PressureSpeedStandard

20 Building Shape/Type ISO 4354 CUBiCENV 1991 DRBC 2003 AIJAS BNS CP28 Stepped Roofsno yesno yes Free-standing wallsyes noyesno Multispan canopiesno yes no Arched roofsyes Domesno yesnoyesno Silos and tanksyes noyesno Circular sectionsyes Polygonal sectionsno yesno yes Lattice towersyes noyes Spheresnoyes no yes Signsyes Building types in seven international wind standards