Experimental Study on the Seismic Response of Equipment on Wheels and Casters in Base-Isolated Hospitals

Base isolation is accepted as the method of choice for mitigating the seismic risk of critical facilities, including hospitals. However, while many studies have confirmed the effectiveness of isolation in reducing seismic demands on attached nonstructural components, only a few have investigated the performance of unanchored building equipment and contents (ECs), and especially mobile ECs supported on wheels/casters, in base-isolated buildings. …