Validation of numerical model for hospital building contents: rigid block and FEM models

In this study, simplified finite element models of the tested components have also been implemented in software platforms to adequ ately simulate the dynamic properties of sample medical components. Different numerical modeling approaches are validated upon the outcomes of a comprehensive experimental campaign on hospital building contents carried out by shake table testing at the Uni versity of Naples Federico II, Italy. Finite element modeling approach is adopted to investigate the dynamic behavior of hospital cabinets in case they do not exhibit any rocking mechanism, i.e. pre -rocking behavior. The validation of a FEM model for the d ynamic performance of cabinets is presented. Its ability to reproduce horizontal acceleration in the cabinets is also discussed. The developed numerical model gave a fairly good matching in terms of natural frequencies of the sample components. Nonlinear dynamic analyses are performed on the defined models. Recorded table acceleration are applied at the base of both the cabinets for the three different test groups. It is concluded that the defined model is able to recognize the occurrence of the rocking me chanism in the cabinets. Medical components, such as the tested cabinets, typically exhibits a rocking behavior as the seismic intensity increases. Thus, the dynamic behavior of rigid blocks is investigated for the post -rocking behavior of cabinets. Tested cabinets are modelled as equivalent rigid blocks and subjected to the experimental base accelerations. The ability to predict the occurrence of both rocking mechanism and overturning is verified. Given the good model fidelity, a preliminary study is perf ormed aimed at the identification of the most efficient seismic intensity measure (IM) for rigid blocks and the influence of the geometric properties of rigid blocks on their dynamic performance.