The seismic isolation of Wanganui Hospital with RoGliders

Abstract

Two new buildings at Wanganui Hospital, a peri-operative facility and an acute services block, have just been completed in June 2008 using RoGliders to provide seismic isolation in this earthquake prone region. This is the first application of the RoGlider, an isolator suitable for light structures providing in one compact unit the functions of support, damping and the required restoring force, while providing for a maximum displacement of ± 400 mm. The RoGlider provides for economical seismic protection under conditions not suitable for lead rubber bearings i.e. a combination of light vertical loads and large horizontal displacements.