February 27, 2010 Chile Earthquake: Preliminary Observations on Structural Performance and Implications for U.S. Building Codes and Standards

摘要

Performance of reinforced concrete buildings in Vina del Mar, Chile following the M7.8 1985 earthquake led to changes to the Uniform Building Code (UBC-94) and the American Concrete Institute Code for design of reinforced concrete buildings (ACI 318-99). In 1996, Chile adopted, with minor modifications, the ACI 318-95 Code. Reinforced concrete buildings are the predominant form of construction in Chile for buildings over four stories. Over the last 10 to 15 years, a construction boom similar to that in the US and other countries resulted in the construction of a substantial number of new buildings. Thus, the Feb. 27, 2010 earthquake provides a unique opportunity to assess the performance of modern reinforced concrete buildings designed using modern codes similar to those used in the US. Preliminary observations on building performance and the potential impact on US codes and practices, particularly with respect to ACI 318 seismic provisions, is presented.