09-02
NATURAL DISASTERS NON-STRUCTURAL RESISTIVE DESIGN (formerly CD-54)
1. PURPOSE: VHA policies require that VA medical facilities are capable of continuing operation
during times of war and national security emergencies and of mitigating the effects of natural or
manmade disasters. Patient buildings, domiciliaries, ambulatory care centers, research facilities, and
energy centers require protection in order to serve during and after a natural disaster. Specific
provisions for emergency utility services, emergency site access facilities, and resistive design of non-
structural building elements are indicated for earthquakes, hurricanes, or major floods. Additional
requirements are provided in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) design manuals. The designers shall
exercise professional judgment in following these requirements to satisfy specific conditions.
2. GENERAL: Each case for implementation of all or part of these requirements for emergency utility
services, emergency site access facilities, and non-structural hurricane or major flood design must
involve a review by appropriate representatives from the VA facility and the Office of Facilities
Management.
2.1 Installation. Determinations for installation shall be based on the following factors:
2.1.1 The planned health services that the facility is to perform after the natural disaster.
2.1.2 The distance from other medical facilities that could provide assistance during and after a natural
disaster.
2.1.3 The intensity of anticipated damage to the utility services of the surrounding community.
2.1.4 The likelihood of the immediate availability of alternate services for natural gas, water, and
2.2 Earthquake Areas. Seismicity ratings such as Moderate Low or Moderate High etc., for VA
facilities are indicated in Table 4 of H-18-8, Seismic Requirements.
2.2.1 Emergency Utility Services and Site Access Facilities: Requirements apply only where Moderate
High, High and Very High Seismicities are indicated.
2.2.2 Resistive Design of Non-Structural Building Elements:
2.2.2.1 For new buildings, seismic restraints apply for equipment, where Moderate Low, Moderate
High, High and Very High Seismicities are indicated.
2.2.2.2 For existing buildings seismic restraints apply for equipment where Moderate High, High and
Very High Seismicities are indicated.
2.2.2.3 For new and existing buildings seismic restraints apply for piping and ductwork where
Moderate High, High, and Very High Seismicities are indicated.
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