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beams might need to be respaced or the beam orientation may need to be
revised.
The size of elevator shafts and clearances required for the elevator
equipment can also affect beam sizes and locations. These dimensions can
be estimated by reviewing preliminary information from several different elevator suppliers; however, final elevator shop drawings are needed
before construction or fabrication and detailing of the beams. Elevator
guiderails, which define the path along which the elevators ride, typically
need support tubes because the rails cannot span the floor heights without an intermediate support. The elevator hoistway should be sized and
beams located to allow the guiderail support tube to run continuous vertically and not be interrupted by the slab edge. Otherwise, the tubes will
interrupt the shaftwall.
It's also important to consider floor vibrations in elevated slabs framed
with beams and columns. Structures vibrate when people or equipment
move across the floor, which can induce floor vibrations in other areas. Excessive floor vibrations can also create problems in medical equipment such
as lights, booms, and suspended monitors. AISC Design Guide 11, "Vibrations of Steel-Framed Structural Systems Due to Human Activity," and Facility Guidelines Institute's Guidelines for Design and Construction are two
resources that provide information on acceptable vibration requirements
in structures. Different criteria are used if the occupied space is an administrative area, patient room, or operating room. For example, ORs require
stiffer floors than typical patient rooms due to the sensitivity to movement

of the OR equipment. Larger beam sizes, tighter
beam spacing, and a thicker floor slab are some of the
techniques used to help address these issues. MRIs
on elevated slabs require special consideration, too,
and the vibration requirements must be carefully reviewed with the vendor. Thicker slabs, additional columns, and heavy beam sizes are typically necessary,
which can impact the project budget. For renovation
projects, in-situ testing may be necessary to evaluate
the vibration characteristics of the existing floors and
ensure compliance with requirements.
CONCLUSION

Discussing structural-related coordination items
such as site conditions, column sizes, and beam
placement early in the project will assist the structural engineer in providing a cost-effective plan for the
owner. This step can minimize change orders, RFIs,
and construction delays, which can lead to cost savings and contribute to the project's overall success. 
Jeremy Salmon, PE, SE, LEED AP, is a principal at Structural Design Group in Nashville, Tenn. He can be reached
at J E R E M Y S @ S D G - S T R U C T U R E . C O M .

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Healthcare Design - April 2019

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