Mercy Hospital Joplin (Mo.), built after deadly tornado, has expanded definition of building for resiliency, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.
Mercy replaces the former St. John’s Regional Medical Center, which was destroyed after the EF-5 tornado.
The new healthcare facility has been storm-hardened to an apparently unsurpassed level, the article said. The design team used the old hospital as a guide to determine which materials withstood damage from the tornado.
Custom-made safety laminated windows that are rated to withstand damage up to 250 mph, 140 mph or 110 mph were installed depending on specific space needs and the vulnerability of occupants in that area. Precast concrete finishes and a concrete roof helped to harden the exterior.
Preparing Healthcare Facilities for Severe Thunderstorms
University of South Carolina Opens New Brain Health Center
NLCS Strengthens Safety and Compliance with Comprehensive Electrical Program
Infrastructure Issues: Assisting Mobility-Challenged Visitors
Willis-Knighton Medical Center Upgrades Chilled Water Plant