Seismic Evaluation of the Main Building at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

Abstract

The Main Building at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico was originally built in 1933 to house the Hato Rey Psychiatric Hospital. It was acquired by the Institution in 1986 and since, it has been the Universities’ most iconic landmark. As a national historic building, it must be preserved. One of the most critical analyses of historical buildings is their seismic adequacy. This report will perform a seismic analysis based on the Life Safety performance level. Site investigations and documents review showed that the building possesses a lateral force resisting system comprised of shear walls in both directions with rigid floor diaphragms. As a result, the building provides a Life Safety Basic Configuration performance level of 88%, a Life Safety Structural performance level of 75% and a Non-Structural performance level of 17%. This report should be the starting point for a decision making process that supports a more detailed analysis to improve these performance levels. Key Terms - ASCE 41-13, Clínica Juliá, Existing Building, Life Safety Performance.