Abstract
A summary of the different provisions existing in Chile is given. The codes related to earthquake engineering practice are divided into two major groups: the first defining the loads and actions, and the other dealing with materials behavior, resistance, and detailing requirements. The overall characteristics of these codes are discussed. Special emphasis is given to the seismic design code provisions that define the level of earthquake action to expect, depending on building characteristics and site soil conditions. No seismic risk map is included in the code. Two different analysis procedures are allowed: an equivalent lateral forces procedure where torsion is considered through an amplification of the static torsion in the building; and the standard response spectrum analysis method with a three degree of freedom per story model of the building. The maximum responses of the different modes are combined using a special combination rule. Additional restrictions are imposed to torsional effects, and to overall building deformations. Finally, the basic ideas being discussed in the revision that is actually being done to the code are presented.
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