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Section 2

VAHBS Overview

Page
History of VAHBS .............................................2-1

VAHBS Concepts .............................................2-1

Systems Integration....................................2-1

Planning Modules .......................................2-2

Service Modules ...................................2-2

Structural Bay .................................2-2

Service Zone...................................2-2

Functional Zones/Space Modules ..2-3

Fire Compartments (Sections)..............2-3

Figure 2-1 Service Module Concepts ...2-4

Building Subsystems ..................................2-5

Shell Systems .......................................2-5

Structural ........................................2-5

Partition...........................................2-5

Platform ..........................................2-5

Service Systems and Subzones ...........2-5

Figure 2-2 Building Subsystems ...........2-6

Service Zone...................................2-7

Figure 2-3 Typical Subzones ................2-8

Hospitals Built Using VAHBS ...........................2-9

Example Medical Centers...........................2-9

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History of VAHBS
The VA Hospital Building System (VAHBS)
is an approach to the design and construc-
tion of large, multi-story hospital buildings
based on the principles of systems integra-
tion. Key features of the VAHBS are modu-
lar design with integrated service zones for
permanent and adaptable building subsys-
tems.

Faced with rising costs, lengthy periods be-

tween programming and occupancy, accel-
erating obsolescence and inadequate build- Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center
ing performance, VA decided to study the Loma Linda, CA, 1977
application of systems integration to a proto-
type design for new hospitals. The result of the work by VA Research staff and the consultant,
Stone, Marraccini and Patterson with Building Systems Development, was the Development
Study--VA Hospital Building System Research Study Report (Red Book) first published in Janu-
ary 1972. The Red Book report was last revised in August 1977.

The VAHBS has been used successfully on many VA projects. Over the last three decades cer-
tain elements of this system have evolved in response to field experience, emerging health care
models, and technical and regulatory changes. As a supplement to the Red Book, this Paper is
intended to aid designers of new VA hospital buildings in the application of VAHBS concepts to
today’s conditions and construction practices.

VAHBS Concepts
Systems Integration
The Red Book presented a prototype design system for new hospital buildings. In the prototype
system, building systems and subsystems and their interrelationships are defined and examined
as integrated or coordinated components of the building as a whole from the very beginning of
the design process. The primary objectives for systems integration are cost control, improved
performance, adaptability, time (schedule) reduction, and the provision of a basis for the long-
term development and modification of the hospital building.

Readers must keep in mind that the prototype design system was not intended to be used as a
standardized scheme. The prototype design system was to be used as a model for the general-
ized decision process for the design and construction of new facilities. The prototype space
modules were based on functional criteria appropriate to the health care delivery model of the
time. Changes in these criteria have made many of the dimensions and space modules pro-
posed in the Red Book obsolete. However, the basic concepts of integrating building services
and using a systems approach for problem definition and solution in design and construction still
remain valid.

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Planning Modules
The conventional design process tends to concentrate on spatial and functional relationships
with minimal consideration for structure and mechanical and electrical systems during prelimi-
nary and schematic design. This approach tends to result in specialized and unique designs for
the service systems in each part of the building. The results are increased complexity in detail-
ing and construction, and compromises in maintenance, future adaptability, and expansion.

To use the VAHBS, a designer needs to understand the following concepts:

• Service Modules
• Fire Compartments (Sections)
• Building Subsystems
o Shell Systems
o Service Systems and Subzones.

Service Modules
The Red Book proposes a systematic or modular approach to the design of new hospital buildings
where building systems are integrated into the planning modules from the start of design. The
basic building block is the service module. Service modules were defined as one story units of
building volume with a footprint of approximately 10,000 square feet. More recent designs have
used service modules in the range of 20,000 square feet. Each Service module is comprised of
• struct ural bays,
• a service zone, and
• functional zones or space modules (the occupied areas).
Each service module is completely contained, alone or with one or more other modules, in a fire
compartment.

The building block concept can offer advantages in design, construction, operation and
maintenance. Once established, the service module provides a means of manipulating overall
building configuration with the assurance of subsystem capability and integrity.

Structural Bay: The structural bay is the basic unit of which all other modules are comprised.
The dimensions of the structural bay are influenced by the functional layout (space planning), ser-
vice zone clearances, and type of structural system selected. Refer to Section 3 Issues, Section 4
Application to New Projects and Appendix A for further discussion and examples of typical bay
sizes.

A special variation of a structural bay is the service bay. This special bay contains the me-
chanical, electrical and telecommunications rooms that support a service module; and service
shafts and risers (and may include exit stairs) necessary for vertical distribution of services. It is
a part of the service zone [see below]. Major equipment items and all pumps and motors are
contained in the service bay. In section, the service bay extends from structural floor to struc-
tural floor. The walk-on platform (interstitial deck) does not extend into or through the service
bay.

Service Zone: A service zone includes a full height service bay (with independent mechanical,
electrical, and telecommunications rooms) and an independent service distribution network that in-
cludes the interstitial zone above the functional zone.

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Functional Zones and Space Modules: The functional zone is the occupied floor area within a
service module. The Red Book defines space modules as variations of the service module de-
signed for inpatient bed units. Space modules may be the same size or smaller than a service
module, but in no case may be larger than a service module.

Fire Compartments (Sections)

When the term “fire section” is used in the Red Book, it should be replaced with “fire compart-
ment” to be consistent with current Code terminology. A fire compartment is a unit of area en-
closed by two-hour fire resistance rated construction on all sides from which there are at least
two different exits. The size and number of fire compartments shall be as determined by current
codes, VA criteria, and the overall fire protection strategy for the building.

A fire compartment may contain one or more service modules. The boundaries of the service
module(s) should coincide with the boundaries of the fire compartment.

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(Fire Compartment)

Figure 2-1 Service Module Concepts

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Building Subsystems
The prototype system design includes six specific building subsystems that are referred to as
integrated subsystems: structure, partitions, and walk-on platform (interstitial deck) are “shell”
subsystems; HVAC, plumbing and electrical are “service” subsystems. Other subsystems such
as foundations, exterior closure, roof, and conveying systems have been excluded and are re-
ferred to as non-integrated subsystems. Communications systems were originally considered
non-integrated systems. The increases in the numbers and complexity of telephone/data and
other “low-voltage” sub-systems warrant considering them as integrated service subsystems.

Shell Systems
Structural: The structural system may be steel frame or reinforced concrete frame. Selection
would be based on engineering and economic analysis.

Partition: Partition subsystem is the generic term used in the Red Book for non-load bearing,
vertical, interior construction used to subdivide or enclose portions of the building volume.
Components must provide a wide range of performance in terms of impact resistance, finishes,
fire and/or smoke resistance, acoustics, x-ray shielding, etc. In current practice, “partitions” with
fire or smoke resistance ratings are called “fire barrier walls” or “smoke barriers” as defined in
NFPA 101. Except as required for code compliance, construction will typically terminate under-
side of the platform. The Red Book envisioned that the final service runs in the functional zone
would be installed outside, or on the surface of, the partitions. In current practice, vertical ser-
vice drops to a room or area are to be concealed within the partitions. Horizontal distribution of
services is to remain in the defined service zones.

Platform: The walk-on platform/ceiling subsystem has also evolved from the system originally
described in the Red Book. The Red Book defined subzone S-6 as the ceiling: a combined
walk-on platform or interstitial deck with surface applied finishes and fixtures on the underside
(exposed to the functional zone). Current practice uses two subzones, S-6 and S-7. The S-6
subzone is the platform. The S-7 subzone includes the space below the platform and the sus-
pended finish ceiling. Light fixtures are typically recessed in the finish ceiling. Refer to Section
4 Application to New Projects and Appendix C for examples of walk-on platform and ceiling con-
struction.

Service Systems and Subzones

The service subsystems for each service module are located within the service zone, i.e., within
the service bay and/or the horizontal portion of the service zone (interstitial space) above the
functional zone. To many A/E’s the platform/ceiling subsystem and the interstitial space it cre-
ates are the most prominent features of the VAHBS. The platform allows for better organization
of service distribution, improved access for maintenance or modification of services with re-
duced impacts to functional zones. The integration and coordination of building services are
much more important to the successful application of the VAHBS.

The service zone is highly organized into reserved subzones for the various mechanical, plumb-
ing, fire protection, electrical and tele/data services. The purposes of this “pre-coordination” are
to provide clear channels for access and passage for all trades, to minimize crossovers and
other conflicts, to assure reasonable space for future extensions and additions, and to permit
positive location of all components. All services, except gravity drains, downfeed into the func-
tional zone below.

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Tele/data distribution

Fire Protection

(Sprinklers and Standpipes)

Figure 2-2 Building Subsystems

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Service Zone: The service zone is organized into subzones and channels that define and or-
ganize the service runs. [Refer to details in Appendix C. Refer to Appendix A for examples in
existing VAHBS hospitals.] Subzones are horizontal layers within the service zone. Main service
distribution runs from the service bay are all parallel, each connecting to branches at right angles to
the mains, and branches connecting, where required, to laterals at right angles to the branches
within the defined subzones. Channels are plan divisions of the subzones and define reserved lo-
cations for particular services.

In order to preserve the rights-of-way for initial and future installation of service runs, no shortcut or
point-to-point routing of services is permitted. This is extremely important.

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S-1 Subzone—Floor Slab

This subzone equals the depth of the floor finish, topping slab and structural slab.

S-2 Subzone—Branch Distribution

This subzone contains the structural beams, pressure piping and gravity drainage and vents.

S-3 Subzone—Main Distribution

This is the major subzone and is reserved for main distribution of services through the length of the
service zone. It is divided by service into channels. The depth will be governed by HVAC supply
and return/exhaust ducts. Note that crossovers of main ducts are to occur in the Service Bay.

S-4 Subzone—Branch Distribution

This subzone contains mechanical and electrical branches and vents. It is divided by service into
channels. Depth will be governed by HVAC branches.

S-5 Subzone—Lateral Distribution

This subzone takes the final service run to the location of the service drop into the functional zone
below. Any projections from the walk-on platform construction will be parallel to the services at this
level. Formal channels are usually not defined in this subzone.

S-6 Subzone—Platform
This subzone equals the overall depth of the walk-on platform (interstitial deck) construction.

S-7 Subzone—Ceiling
This subzone extends from the underside of the walk-on platform to the bottom of the suspended,
finish ceiling. Limited lateral distribution may occur in this subzone such as offsets in service drops
from the penetration through the walk-on deck to fixture or partition; fixtures and devices recessed
in the finished ceiling; switch legs and whips for lighting fixtures; fire sprinkler; and non-integrated
telecommunications conduit and cabling for public address, nurse call, CATV/MATV systems and
fire alarm system.
S-1 Floor
S-2 Structure &
Plumbing
Branch
Distribution

S-3 Main
Distribution

S-4 Branch
Distribution

S-5 Lateral
Distribution
S-6 Platform

S-7 Ceiling

Figure 2-3 Typical Subzones

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Hospitals Built Using VAHBS

The VAHBS has been used in new and replacement hospital projects in all areas of the country.

Example Medical Centers

Three representative Medical Centers were selected for review and inclusion as examples of
the application of the VAHBS in this Supplement. They are identified as Medical Centers A, B,
and C in the Appendix. The main hospital building at each medical center is a single structure
of 929,000 to 1.5 million square feet. The number of stories, building geometries, structural
bays and materials of construction vary in each building.

Project data for each of these hospital buildings, including typical plans and service zone strate-
gies, are presented in Appendix A. Also included in Appendix A are summaries and analysis of
interviews of the Facilities or Engineering Officers and Resident Engineers (if available) for the
example medical centers regarding the effects of the VAHBS on the construction, maintenance,
operation, remodeling and new construction for the buildings.

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