Seismic design observations from a study tour of Chilean base isolation hospitals | Online

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This webinar summarises observations from a recent study tour of base-isolated hospitals in Chile, carried out as part of a collaborative NZ-Chile research programme on the seismic design for healthcare infrastructure. Site visits to major hospitals including the Militar de Santiago, Sotero del Río, Provincia Cordillera, Félix Bulnes,  and Alto Hospicio Hospitals, highlighted a diverse range of effective seismic design strategies implemented in a high seismicity context. The hospitals visited are seismically isolated using lead rubber bearings, with one hospital employing friction pendulum sliders.

A notable finding was the consistent high-performing design outcomes, often through approaches and design assumptions that differ from those commonly adopted in New Zealand, despite the absence of explicit performance-based justification at first glance.

The study also noted the important role of Chile’s construction monitoring practices, which appear to be well-integrated into the delivery process. These frameworks promote rigorous oversight during construction, contributing to the consistently high-quality buildings. This aspect of Chilean practice may offer valuable lessons for strengthening quality assurance in the New Zealand context.

Overall, the observations prompt useful reflection on New Zealand design conventions. The presentation also introduces the associated design comparison project currently underway.

Presenters

Quincy Ma

Quincy is an associate professor in the structural engineering group at the University of Auckland. Quincy’s research focus on a wide range of earthquake engineering and structural engineering topics, such as the structural dynamic, seismic performance of non-structural elements, seismic resilience of healthcare systems, risk-based cost-benefit analysis, low-damage design, structural testing, seismic structural health monitoring, and machine learning as applied to earthquake engineering. Quincy currently co-leads the RSNZ Catalyst funded project comparing seismic design approaches for healthcare facilities in New Zealand and Chile.

Dion Marriott

Dion Marriott is a Technical Director at Beca in Christchurch, with over 20 years of experience in structural and earthquake engineering. He specialises in performance-based design, seismic assessment and retrofit, advanced analysis procedures, and low-damage design for both new and existing buildings. His career spans roles in New Zealand and the United States. Dion contributes to multiple ASCE technical committees and maintains an active interest in the rehabilitation of historic structures.

Ericson Encina-Zuniga

Ericson Encina-Zuniga is a Chartered Professional Engineer with 18 years of experience in design, assessment, and strengthening of low- to mid-rise buildings in both New Zealand and Chile. His work includes advanced numerical modelling, soil–structure interaction, and the automation of structural analysis processes. Ericson has a particular interest in the theoretical foundations and practical implementation of efficient solutions for seismic resilience.

Geoff Rodgers

Professor Geoff Rodgers is based at the University of Canterbury and specialises in dynamic system modelling, instrumentation, and control, with applications spanning from earthquake engineering to biomedical systems. His research in structural damping devices has progressed from concept to deployment in major projects in Christchurch and internationally. He has led several large-scale experimental programmes, including international collaborations with Tongji University’s shake-table facility in Shanghai

Mark Browne

Mark Browne is a Project Director at Holmes with 20 years of experience working on large projects in New Zealand, Fiji, Canada, and the West Coast of the USA. In recent years, Mark has focussed on leading the technical side of Holmes’ development of Seismic Restraint of non-structural elements which continues to evolve in response to feedback from the industry.

Jan Stanway

Jan Stanway is a Technical Director at WSP with over 30 years of experience in the design of buildings, marine structures, and infrastructure. She is a recognised national expert in the seismic performance of non-structural elements. Jan is a lead author of the BRANZ Non-Structural Elements Code of Practice and is a co-author for the MBIE Low-Damage Design Guidelines and the Te Whatu Ora Seismic Technical Guidelines. Her work focuses on improving the resilience of both new and existing assets.

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