Lessons Learned from the Performance of Steel Building Structures in the Chile Earthquake 2010 [N8A]

An M8.8 earthquake hit the central region of Chile at 3:34 AM on February 27th, 2010. The earthquake caused produced tsunamis and severe ground shaking, causing 500 deaths, injuries to 1200 persons and damage for more than $30 Billion. Seismic conditions in Chile and characteristics of the ground motions will be briefly described. The presentation will then focus on the performance of steel buildings during the seismic event, with emphasis on steel braced frames. Damage experienced by industrial structures such as silos, conveyors, towers, and equipment supports will also be described. Relationship with current seismic design provisions will be presented and discussed.

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