Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Project Report
Table of Contents
1. Disclaimer............................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
5.7 Unidentified area- ground floor under Administration (Patients’ Accounts) section ....................... 34
5.8 Eye Clinic..................................................................................................................................... 36
6. Summary / Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 38
6.1 La Paix Hospital ........................................................................................................................... 38
6.2 Children’s Hospital ...................................................................................................................... 38
7. Attachments .......................................................................................................................................... 39
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
1. Disclaimer
This report was prepared by Hatch Ltd. (“Hatch”) for the sole and exclusive benefit of St.
Joseph’s Health System (the “Operator”) for the purpose of assisting the Operator to assess and
repair damage caused by an earthquake to two hospitals located in Haiti. This report is for
informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon. Hatch has performed its review
using its best efforts, however, the review performed by Hatch was based on incomplete
information provided to Hatch and did not incorporate standard engineering quality control
procedures that would have been incorporated on similar projects otherwise performed by a
professional engineering firm. Hatch makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy,
correctness or completeness of the information contained in this report and disclaims all liability
arising herefrom.
2. Introduction
The Haiti earthquake was of a magnitude 7 with an epicentre near the town of Leogane,
approximately 25 km west of Port-au-Prince. The earthquake occurred at 16:35 local time and
caused extensive damages. An estimated 230,000 people were killed; another 300,000 injured
and about 1,000,000 made homeless. A current estimate is that 250,000 residences and 30,000
commercial buildings collapsed or were severely damaged.
Following the January 2010 Haiti Earthquake and as discussed and agreed with the St Joseph’s
Health System (SJHS), Hatch mobilised some staff to assist with damage assessment at two
hospitals in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The objective of the field visit was to provide preliminary
structural assessment and observation for the “la Paix (Peace) Hospital” and “Children Hospital”
free of charge.
Representing Hatch were Mohamed Dali and Predrag Jokovic who were in Port-au-Prince from
March 22nd to March 26.
Field Visit
Sites Visited Hatch Staff Hospital representatives
Date / Time
La Paix Hospital 23/24 March, 8 M. Dali and Jean Charles Gilbert – Administrateur Hopital De La Paix
to 5pm P. Jokovic Dr. Alezandre Dauphin - SJHS
Eddy Romage – Membre du Cabinet du Ministre,
Ministere de la Sante Publique et de la Population
International 25th March M. Dali and Dr. Rudolph MACGLOIRE – Directeur Executive
Child Care P. Jokovic Melanie Yates - Volunteer
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
Upon arrival in Port-au-Prince, M. Dali and P. Jokovic were met by Mr. Alez Dauphin.
During the stay, M. Dali and P. Jokovic were provided the transportation, services of translators
and the cooperation of local hospital personnel and volunteers.
Over the course of March 23rd and March 24th, M. Dali and P. Jokovic walked through the
miscellaneous facilities and took photos and field notes of the damaged areas. Architectural
drawings were provided and used as means for orientation purpose and for taking notes and
marking the damages. No structural drawings or geotechnical reports were available at the time
of the visit.
Accessible locations with observed damages are marked on the attached “Plan D’Eclairage Rez
de chaussee E-1” and referenced in the attached scanned field sketches.
• cracks, in the order of 1 to 2 mm wide, were observed in the balcony concrete slab,
• fine hairline cracks were also observed in the 1st floor beam close to the support, suggesting
a shear action,
• 1 to 2.5 mm wide cracks were observed in the 2nd floor beam close to the support,
suggesting shear action. Some spalling was also observed on the vertical sides of the beam
close to the support,
• localized damages (spalling and corner chipping) were observed at the very top of a major
column; these are not considered significant in nature,
• as a result of pounding action between the slab and the column, some localized spalling was
observed on the column,
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
• a masonry block-work parapet wall was extensively cracked horizontally at its base and
vertically close to the expansion joint. It needs to be demolished and replaced, ideally by a
metal handrail.
It is recommended that a post be installed to support the balcony near the expansion joint. The
post needs to be designed to carry full dead, live and seismic load from the balcony. It is
recommended that a steel post be used, similar to the existing one.
Proposed location of
new post
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
It is recommended that the wall be replaced with a metal handrail and the remaining damaged
area repaired.
The following damages were observed and recorded in the area labelled Mark 11:
• vertical and diagonal cracks, about ½ mm wide, were observed on the infill masonry walls,
usually originating from the window bottom corners.
• hairline cracks were observed at the bottom of the balcony wall all along its length. At the
end of the west side of the balcony the wall was extensively damaged and presents a risk in
case of similar event.
In the area labelled Mark 12, floor tiles popped out due to the movement in the expansion joint.
They were rigidly connected to the structure on both sides of the expansion joint. About 2 m
long portion of the balcony wall was extensively damaged and currently presents a risk.
Demolish and
replace with
handrail
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
Mark 4: Damages were observed at top of column due to pounding between slab and column,
Mark 5: cracks in the order of 1-2 mm wide, were observed on both sides of entrance wall,
Mark 6: damage due to pounding of two separate structures, was observed in the slab adjacent to
the column,
Mark W: minor masonry separation walls vertical and horizontal cracks, in order of 1-2 mm
wide, were observed.
It is recommended that the column and surrounding area be repaired. The column should be
thoroughly cleaned and repaired in such manner that the original load bearing capacity and
connection to the surrounding structure is restored with the exception of the connection to the
slab that is structurally laterally tied to the adjacent building. Our recommendation is that all
buildings presently partially separated by expansion joints, be fully physically separated at
expansion joints by a gap as per original design.
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
Figure 11: Damaged slab where expansion joint is at the column and both slabs are
connected to it
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
Major vertical cracks and localized horizontal damages were observed in the wall around the
expansion joint above the internal medicine rooms. The damages extend over a distance of
about 2 to 3 m. This parapet wall is located along the perimeter of the higher roof, does not have
any significant connection to the rest of the building structure and presents a risk in case of a
similar earthquake. It needs to be repaired. Our recommendation is that the height of the wall
be reduced to no more than 0.3 m. If required, the additional parapet height can be easily
achieved by using some lighter material. An alternative is to laterally support the wall at this
height to ensure it does not sustain further future damages under similar or stronger earthquake.
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
-minor diagonal cracks, in the order of 1/4mm wide, usually originating from bottom corners of
windows were observed on masonry separation walls.
These cracks are not considered a sign of a significant structural damage. They only need some
repair and painting from outside.
-major horizontal cracks were observed on the inside face of the stairway wall at the base of the
concrete grillage window/ wall. This wall has only minor load bearing capacity. If left as is, it
may become unstable if subjected to a similar earthquake. It therefore needs to be repaired and
laterally supported. The lateral supports can be designed in a form of simple lateral stops,
connected to the remaining structure at strategic locations. An alternative is to replace it with a
similar structure made of lighter material.
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
-at the entrance to the morgue and specifically at the top of the wall above the door and adjacent
to the east-west parapet wall, minor localized damages were observed around the expansion
joint. The top masonry wall above the door needs to be repaired.
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
• It seems that a roof slab extension, parapet walls and an additional truss above the roof were
added after the initial construction which could explain ceiling cracks along construction
joints. These cracks appear to be minor in nature. Nevertheless, the structure needs some
repairs. The existing additional roof truss diagonal members are not properly positioned and
appear inadequate.
We recommend that a concrete case be built around the truss. This case should completely
cover the truss with dimensions approximately matching the existing parapet walls. We consider
this to be a simple way to ensure the member shear transfer capability and stability of the top
chord.
In addition, we recommend installation of additional supports for the cantilevered portion of the
slab, as shown in the scanned field sketches. If any clarification is required, Hatch is willing to
stay in contact with the contractor performing the work.
Proposed frame
location (shown in
black)
Figure 21: External Clinic, parapet wall and damaged roof slab on the right
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
A major upper portion of the masonry concrete fence wall broke off and fell on the ground. This
wall was essentially non- reinforced with small triangular columns. If the decision is made to re-
build the wall, it needs to be done using properly designed columns and top beams.
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
Figure 28: Typical wall crack pattern observed in many hospital areas
5.1 Laboratories
The laboratory building is an independent, one storey structure with masonry walls and metal
roof. No damages were observed.
5.2 Pharmacy
The pharmacy area, which is partially underground and housed in a common building with the
waiting area, shows no visible damages.
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
Figure 29: Waiting area shown did not suffer any significant damage
Figure 30: The only damage observed in this area is a relatively minor wall crack
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
• Minor diagonal step-like cracks, approximately 1mm wide, in the main interior corridor,
• Minor vertical, horizontal and diagonal cracks, less than 1mm wide, in partition walls,
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
• The masonry partition walls showed significant diagonal cracks and shearing,
This building was damaged beyond repair and will have to be demolished.
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
The building was damaged beyond repair and will have to be demolished.
• Access through stairwell damaged; corner wall broke off and fell down,
In general the first floor is beyond repair and needs to be demolished.
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
In case the decision to save the structure is reached, a thorough structural analysis will have to
be conducted. Provided that the heavy top floor structure is completely removed or replaced
with a lighter structure, it seems that the ground floor of this building can be adequately
reinforced and repaired. Currently, the damage here is localised at a few concrete columns and
wall cracks that can be classified as minor. The damaged concrete columns can be repaired by
providing a new properly reinforced concrete encasement around them. The new concrete will
have to be properly connected to the upper slab and the foundation below. Strategically placed
reinforced concrete walls can provide structural resistance to seismic shear forces.
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
The eye clinic building was built around 1997 and further expanded in 2007. The building is in
excellent condition; the design seems to have been professionally done and no damages were
observed with the exception of few hairline cracks usually originating at windows’ bottom
corners. The only noticeable cracks were observed around the door frame located near the
structural expansion joint between the original and more recent structure. A purpose of an
expansion joint is to separate two parts of the building and it can be expected that the buildings
hit and locally damage each other during an earthquake. The damage observed does not
constitute any significant structural risk, but needs to be repaired.
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
6. Summary / Recommendations
6.1 La Paix Hospital
The general recommendation is to repair minor damages listed in the paragraph 4.10 over time
as part of the operating budget of the hospital, and immediately focus on the critical ones, as
listed below:
1. Install the new balcony supporting post. Repair existing damaged concrete members in the
vicinity of the expansion joint. Modify and repair existing concrete parapet wall or
preferably replace it with metal handrail. (See 4.1)
2. Repair the existing concrete elements in the area of the expansion joint. Replace the existing
heavy parapet concrete wall with a lighter metal handrail. (See 4.2)
3. Repair the existing damaged round concrete column near the main entrance and all
surrounding concrete slabs. The structures should be separated along the expansion joints to
allow independent lateral movement due to horizontal loads. (See 4.3)
4. Reduce height of the existing roof parapet wall or alternatively provide lateral support.
Repair all remaining structures in this area. (See 4.4)
5. Repair existing grillage window/ wall and provide top and bottom lateral stops to prevent
lateral displacement. Alternatively, replace it with a similar lighter structure. (See 4.6)
6. Repair damages near the morgue entrance roof area. (See 4.7)
7. Provide concrete encasement for the existing additional roof truss. Provide new post under
the cantilevered portion of the slab. (See 4.8)
8. Demolish remaining upper part of the fence wall and build properly designed and anchored
wall instead. (See 4.9)
2. A decision has to be made whether to save the ground floor in the In-Patient Ward/
Maternity Building (See 5.6) and in the area which is in this Report marked as “Unidentified
Area- Ground floor under Administration (Patients’ Accounts) section” (See 5.7). The upper
level structures above both areas have to be demolished. Our recommendation is that their
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
replacement with lighter structures be considered. The structure in the “Unidentified Area-
Ground Floor under Administration (Patients’ Accounts) section” needs to be properly
analysed, reinforced and repaired and therefore saved. The ground floor structure in the
Maternity Building can be saved as is, with only minor repairs.
7. Attachments
• Attachment – Drawing E-1
End of Report
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
Attachment – A
Drawing E-1
© Hatch 2010/04
Hatch Ltd. - Evaluate Earthquake Damage to Two Hospitals
SJHS Haiti Field Report
Attachment – B
Field Sketches
© Hatch 2010/04