Seismic design standards undergo technical evaluation in Chile and Peru

Technical studies in Chile and Peru are evaluating the effectiveness of seismic design standards for industrial and essential structures.

In Chile, research focuses on the implications of the updated NCh2369 seismic design standard for industrial installations. The study utilizes SAP2000 software to compare original “as-built” designs of a mining conveyor belt support structure against models updated to meet the current NCh2369.Of2025 regulations, aiming to ensure operational continuity and life protection.

In Peru, an evaluation of the Agricultural Engineering School pavilion at UNSCH revealed discrepancies between recent construction and seismic regulations. Despite being built in 2024, the structure failed to meet E. 030 technical standard guidelines, as inelastic drifts in the Y direction exceeded permissible limits. While the building achieves operational performance for occasional earthquakes, it only reaches life safety and collapse prevention levels for rare and very rare seismic events, which are considered unacceptable for an essential building.