Seismicity and Design Codes in Chile: Characteristic Features and a Comparison with Some of the Provisions of the Romanian Seismic Design Code

A brief history and the characteristics of the seismic region and events in Chile reveal interesting indices in understanding the present day Chilean seismic design code. The paper points out some of the most important prescriptions in the Chilean code that could have led to the relatively reduced number of casualties at the seismic event on February 27th, 2010. By comparing the Chilean code to the Romanian one, the goal is to underline the differences and the similarities regarding both the conceptual and the formal aspects. Observations are pointed out by means of comparative diagrams of significant parameters. Based on statistics of recorded damage published after the earthquake, some comments are made on the importance of the quality of seismic codes and of the effectiveness of their enforcement.