Analysis & Design of 3-Storey Hospital Building Using Cold Formed Steel

Abstract

Earthquakes are the most catastrophic phenomena of nature. In October 2005, major earthquake struck northern areas of Pakistan which lead to heavy loss of property and human life. Survey of the area shows that buildings made of mud and masonry were completely destroyed, while 70% RCC buildings were either destroyed or declared unfit for living. Immediate rehabilitation of earthquake affected people was required. Light-gauge steel was first introduced in Pakistan at that time as a solution for rapid construction as well as for safety purposes in case of any disaster in the future. There are different types of buildings with varying kinds of earthquake performance and seismic design needs. In buildings, earthquake performance can be divided into two categories: structural and nonstructural, both of which when unsatisfactory can be hazardous to building occupants when damage occurs. Structural damage means degradation of the building’s structural support systems (i.e. vertical and lateral force resisting systems) such as the building frames and walls. Nonstructural damage refers to any damage that does not affect the integrity of the structural support system for example a collapse of chimney, breaking of windows, damage to pipes and disruption of pumps, damage to telecommunication equipments etc. Nonstructural damage can still be life threatening and costly. The type of damage to be expected is a complex issue that depends on type of the structure, its age, its configuration, construction materials, site conditions, proximity of the building to neighboring buildings and the type of nonstructural elements. According to Seismic survey of the South Asian region (By OCHA), it has been revealed that most parts of Pakistan are susceptible to high seismic activities especially the northern areas and Quetta division might have to suffer earthquake up to Scale VII (Mercalli Scale) in near future. Gwadar is a developing port city on the southwestern Arabian Sea coast of Pakistan. Gwadar is strategically located at the apex of the Arabian Sea and at the mouth of the Gulf of Oman. The city is emerging as a trade hub and a transit for Chinese oil imports. But the most alarming thing is that Gwadar lies at a location which is exposed to extremely dangerous earthquakes (Mercalli scale greater than IX). The objective of this final project is:  To determine fastest construction technique for rehabilitation and reconstruction of disaster affected areas.  To determine the building system that is least dangerous for human life even if it collapses.  To determine the structural (static & dynamic) stability of light gauge steel structures under earthquakes.