710
Design Rationale: Verification of Structural System
For height considerations of these special areas see Section 210: The
Structural Bay.
713.2.4
Suites of Large Rooms
In addition to considering large spaces, non-bed care areas were
reviewed to determine inherent relationships between spaces which might
not be compatible with structural column locations. In the case of
functional units such as Surgery and Radiology where there is a precise
organizational pattern, it may become necessary to intersect a line of
columns. In these areas, the 22'-6" bay spacing becomes critical. In the
typical operating room there is no occasion where both dimensions
exceed 20'-0".
A review of existing VA hospitals indicates that the most typical surgical
layout is that of operating rooms grouped around a central work corridor
for staff and clean supply, with a perimeter corridor for patient access and
egress.
A simulation study of three existing surgical suite layouts and three
radiology suite layouts and superimposing these on the minimum size of
structural bay, namely 22'-6" x 40'-6", demonstrates how the organization
of these critical areas can be readily achieved within the constraints of the
structural system. (See Figures 710-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7)
713.2.5
Other Areas
For other areas, it is obvious that any reduction in the number of
permanent elements such as columns reduces constraints in planning.
Current spans in VA and most non-VA hospitals are considerably shorter
than those in the proposed structural system.
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