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ART design tested for safety, durability Hurricanes, earthquakes and pluff mud.      These are just a few of the technical issues architects, planners and engineers had to contend with in constructing the new Ashley River Tower (ART). As a result, the new facility is capable of withstanding some of the Lowcountry’s natural challenges.      Accommodating for these circumstances was a huge part of the project’s design process. Within ART’s infrastructure are subtle but important construction features that distinguish this facility as one of South Carolina’s most dynamic diagnostic and treatment facilities built under the newest international building codes for both hurricanes and seismic events.   For example, on the building's exterior, the bed tower's glass wall panels were tested under simulated 220 mph dynamic wind-loads, which exceeded the design specifications. Additional testing included missle-impact resistance to confirm the tolerance of the glass against flying debris during a major storm. Another investment in the building’s longevity includes the use of mold-resistant insulation and drywall products throughout the facility.   In addition, the design consists of reinforced steel bracing and cross beams in addition to generous expansion joints between two buildings, the seven-story patient hospitality tower and four-story diagnostic and treatment building. These expansion joints extend beyond the typical floor slabs to include accommodations for flexibility in the utility systems that occupy the ceiling space. The idea behind this design is to minimize the risk of building failures and disruptions in the distribution of utilities throughout the building in the event of lateral movement or shifting during an earthquake. To further stabilize the facility, pilings were driven 100 feet deep to reach a solid foundation beneath the thick layer of soft, pluff mud to compensate for the relatively shallow 7-foot top crust.   The facility’s fire protection system features a 90,000-gallon water storage tank, which improves the facility’s ability to fight a fire beyond the capabilities of available domestic water services.   In the nearby Central Energy Plant, chillers and boilers are erected well above grade to accommodate 15-foot flooding or tidal surges. The plant also is capable of operating at full capacity with its own emergency generator to provide uninterrupted heating and air conditioning service to the hospital in the event of a normal power disruption. MUSC designated employee supply kit (3-4 day supply) Medications Water (2-3 gallons) Canned food (easy opening) Loaf of bread Crackers Peanut butter Comfortable working clothing and shoes Personal hygiene items Flashlight with batteries and bulbs Battery-operated radios Employee identification Limited cash Important severe weather contact information MUSC’s information line--792-MUSC (6872) MUSC Severe Weather Plan--http://www.musc.edu/weatheremergency Student Handbook--http://www.musc.edu/studenthandbook Class cancellation, resumption information Internet home page (under red alert button)-- http://www.musc.edu Public Safety (emergency number)--792-4196     Friday, June 15, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.