OFFICIAL CHILEAN RULE NCh2369.

Of2003

Seismic design of industrial facilities and structures

1 Scope and field of application

1.1 This rule establishes the requirements for the seismic design of industrial facilities and
structures, whether light or heavy. It applies to the structures themselves, as well as to pipeline
and plumbing systems and to process, mechanical and electrical equipment and their
respective anchorages. It is also applied to warehouse structures or industrial suitability places,
and also to constructions structured with movable columns.

1.2 This rule does not apply to other types of structures such as nuclear centers, electric power
centers and transmission lines, dams, tailing dams, bridges, tunnels, gravitational springs,
containment walls, buried duct lines, etc.

1.3 Business offices, casinos or those similar to a domicile use may be designed according to
NCh433.Of96.

1.4 It is complemented with NCh433.Of96, Building seismic design. All requirements of said
rule that are not specifically modified are applicable.

2 Regulatory references

The following regulatory documents contain provisions that, by means of references set forth in
the rule, constitute requirements of the rule.

On the publication date of this rules the edition indicated below was in full force and effect.

All rules were subject to review and it is hereby recommended that the parties involved and
supposed to enter into agreements based on these rules, verify the possibility to apply the most
recent editions of such rules established as follows.

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NCh2369

NOTE – The National Standardization Institute maintains the registry of the national and
international rules in force.

NCh203 Acero para uso estructural - Requisitos.

NCh433 Diseño sísmico de edificios.
NCh1159 Acero estructural de alta resistencia y baja aleación para
construcción.
NCh1537 Diseño estructural de edificios - Cargas permanentes y
sobrecargas de uso.
NCh2745 Análisis y diseño de edificios con aislación sísmica.
ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, 1999.
ACI 350.3 Practice for the Seismic Design of Liquid Containing Structures.
AISC1989 Specifications for Structural Steel Buildings, Allowable Stress
Design.
AISC 1999 Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings - Part 1:
Structural Steel Buildings.
AISC 1999 Load and Resistance Factor Design Specifications for Structural
Steel Buildings.
AISI 1996 Specifications for the Design of Cold Formed Steel Structural
Members.
API 620 Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure
Storage Tanks.
API 650 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage.
AWWA-D 100 Standard for Welded Steel Tanks for Water Storage.
AWWA-D 110 Wire and Strand Wound Circular, Prestressed Concrete Water
Tanks.
AWWA-D 115 Circular Prestressed Concrete Water Tanks with Circumferential
Tendons.
UBC 97 Uniform Building Code, 1997.
Seismic Design of Storage Tanks, Recommendations of a Study
Group of the New Zealand National Society for Earthquake
Engineering, 1986.
NZS 4203 General Structural Design and Design Loadings for Buildings,
1992.
ASTM A 6/6M-98 Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel
Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling.
ASTM A 36/A36M-97ª Specification for Carbon Structural Steel.
ASTM A 242/A242M-97 Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel.
ASTM A 325-97 Specification for High-Strength Bolts for Structural Steel Joints.
ASTM A 490-97 Specification for Heat-Treated Steel Structural Bolts, 150 ksi
Minimum Tensile Strength.
ASTM A 500-98 Specification for Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon
Steel Structural Tubing in Rounds and Shapes.
ASTM A 501-98 Specification for Hot-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel
Structural Tubing.
ASTM A 502-93 Specification for Steel Structural Rivets.
ASTM A 572/A572M-97c Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Columbium - Vanadium
Structural Steel.
ASTM A 588/A588M-97a Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel with 50

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ASTM A 913/913M-97
ASTM A 992/A992M-98
ANSI/AWS A5.1-91
ANSI/AWS A5.5-96
ANSI/AWS A5.17-89
ANSI/AWS A5.18-93
ANSI/AWS A5.20-95
ANSI/AWS A5.23-90
ANSI/AWS A5.29-80
(R 1989)
NOTE – If applicable, mention the foreign rules considered necessary.
ksi [345 MPa] Minimum Yield Point to 4 in. [100 mm] Thick.
Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Shapes of
Structural Quality, Produced by Quenching and Self-Tempering
Process (QST).
Specification for Steel for Structural Shapes for Use in Building
Framing.
Specification for Carbon Steel Covered Arc-Welding Electrodes.
Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal
Arc Welding.
Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for
Submerged-Arc Welding.
Carbon Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding.
Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc
Welding.
Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for
Submerged Arc Welding.
Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Flux-Cored Arc
Welding.

3 Terms, definitions and symbols

3.1 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this rule, it shall be applied the following terms and definitions, which
complement the NCh433.Of1996 terminology:

3.1.1 permanent loads (CP): action whose variation in time is depreciable in relation to the
average values or the action whose variation tends to a limit

According to this definition, it shall be included in such concept the following:

 Proper weight of the structural elements and terminations.

 Proper weight of fixed equipment and installations.

 Regular content of recipients, hoppers, chains and equipment.

 Weight of pipelines without accumulations or scaling. Insulations.

 Permanent thrusts.

3.1.2 connection: region in which several pre-manufactured elements or one pre-

manufactured element and one molding element meet.

3.1.3 strong connection: connection which remains elastic while the plastic hinge pre-defined
zone develops and inelastic response under severe seismic conditions

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3.1.4 humid connection: connection using any of the wood splicing methods from sections
21.2.6, 21.2.7 or 21.3.2.3 of ACI 318-99 to connect pre-manufactured elements, and uses
concrete or mortar replacement method to fill in the splicing space

3.1.5 dry connection: connection between pre-manufactured elements not qualified as humid
connection

3.1.6 process engineer: engineer responsible for general production and disposal procedures
related to equipment and structures and industry operation procedures

3.1.7 braced frame: structural system with diagonals. Its elements, beams, columns and
diagonals, work mainly by axial effort

3.1.8 ductile frames with flared non-structural elements: those in which the non-structural
elements are separated from the columns of the frames by a space larger or similar to the
values dmax . defined in section 6.3

3.1.9 ductile frames with non-flared and non-structural elements: those in which the non-
structural elements are separated from and columns of the frames by a space smaller than the
values dmax. Defined in section 6.3. In such cases, the non-structural elements must be
incorporated in the structural model avoiding the existence of failures in the design related to
the cut of beam-column joints

3.1.10 rigid frame: structural system in which the beam-column joints are capable to transmit a
bending moment. The lateral stability in its plan depends on the flexural rigidity of its
components

3.1.11 fundamental vibration period: mode period with greater equivalent translational mass
for analysis management

3.1.12 professional expert: professional specialized in structures, legally authorized to

exercise his profession in Chile, with an evidenced experience of at least five years in seismic-
resistant design

3.1.13 seismic risk: probability that a certain seismic event occurs in a certain area and within
a pre-established time interval

3.1.14 live loads (SC): static nature actions, variable in time, determined by the function and
use of the building and its facilities. Presents frequent or continuous variations non-depreciable
in relation to its average value

According to this definition, this concept shall include:

 Uniform loads corresponding to the use of floors and platforms, taking into account the
regular transit of people, vehicles, smaller movable equipment and accumulation of
materials.

 Scaling and accumulation of powders in ducts, equipment and structures.

 Loads of lifting cranes.

 Non-permanent water or land pressures.

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 Pressure inside recipients.

 Hoop tension and similar ones.

3.1.15 special operational overloads (SO): dynamic actions resulting from the regular use of
facilities

According to the above definition, the following shall be included in this item:

 Dynamic origin Impacts and loads, in general, even if modeled as equivalent static
actions.

 Brakes.

 Actions due to liquids or gases in movement, for example, water hammer.

3.1.16 accidental operational overloads (SA): actions resulting from operational

phenomenon occasionally occurring during the regular use of the facilities

According to the above definition, the following shall be included in this item:

 Extreme impacts and explosions.

 Short-circuit loads.

 Hopper and tank overfill loads.

3.2 Symbols

The symbols employed in this rule have the meaning indicated below:

Ao = actual maximum soil speed;

Ak = weighting factor for the associated weight at level, k ;

C = seismic coefficient for the horizontal seismic action;

Cij = coupling coefficient between modes i and j ;

Cmax = maximum value of the seismic coefficient;

Cv = seismic coefficient for the vertical seismic action;

CP = permanent loads;

D = circular section exterior diameter; process recipient or tank diameter;

E = elasticity module;

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Fa = tension admissible per compression;

Fk = horizontal strength applied in level k ;

Fp = horizontal seismic strength to design a secondary element or equipment;

Fv = vertical seismic strength;

Fy = yield stress;

Fy f = yield stress in the flange of the metallic profile;

H = height of the highest level on the baseline level; total height of the building on the
baseline level; height of bridge and platform supports;

I = coefficient related to the importance, use and failure risk of one structure or
equipment;

K buckling longitude coefficient;

=

Kp = dynamic amplification factor for the design of a secondary element or equipment;

L = longitude of an element; platform or bright light;

P = total building or structure weight on the baseline level;

Pk seismic weight associated with level k ;

=

Pp = weight of a secondary element or equipment;

Qo = baseline shear strength of a building or structure;

Qp = shear strength in the base of a secondary element or equipment;

Qmin = minimum baseline shear strength value;

R = modification factor of the structural answer;

R1 = modification factor of the structural answer defined in 6.1;

Rp = modification factor of the answer of a secondary element or equipment;

S = value resulting from the spectral modal overlapping; minimum support longitude;
separation between structures;

Sa = design spectral speed for the horizontal seismic action;

Sa,v = design spectral speed for the vertical seismic action;

Se = moment, shear strength or axial stress in the connection related to the

development of the probable resistance ( Spr ) in plasticization pre-defined locations

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of the structure, based on the mechanism that controls the inelastic behavior;

Si = maximum value of the i mode contribution with its sign;

SA = operation accidental overload;

SC = live load;

SO = operation special overload;

Ti = vibration period of the i mode;

T′ = standard depending on the type of soil;

T* = fundamental vibration period towards the seismic analysis;

Zk = k level height, on the baseline level;

a = overload reduction factor;

ap = acceleration in the support level of an element or equipment;

ak = acceleration in the k level of an structure;

b = load amplification or increase coefficient; half of the flange width in laminated or

welded T profiles, or double T and TL; nominal width of the flange in laminated
profiles Chanel and Angles; distance from the free border of the flange up to the
beginning of the fold curve in cold formed profiles; distance from the beginning of
the internal curves of the flange for Z, CA and Ω folded profiles; distance from the
free border up to the first line of connectors or welding, or width between the line of
connectors or welding for plates;

bf = flange width;

d = horizontal seismic deformation; total height of laminated and welded T profiles;

dd = horizontal seismic deformation, calculated with seismic requests reduced by the R

factor;

= maximum dd admissible value

di = maximum horizontal seismic deformation of the structure i ;

do = deformation due to non-seismic service loads;

e = thickness of the flange of a metallic profile; thickness of tank cover, chimneys or

process recipients;

g = gravity acceleration;

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h = free distance between flanges in welded profiles; free distance between flanges
less the dimension of fillets in laminated profiles; distance between the closest
connectors in bolted profiles; distance in the web between the beginning points of
the curves of folds in cold formed profiles; height of the structure of a certain level
on the baseline level; height between two points of one structure located on the
same vertical;

k = factor impacting on the limitation of the width/thickness ratio of profiles double T, T,

channels;

n = parameter depending on the type of soil; number of levels;

r = turning radios; quotient between the period associated to two vibration modes;

t = flange thickness of one metallic profile;

tw = web thickness of one metallic profile;

ξ = damping ratio;

Φb = resistance reduction coefficient set forth in AISC - LRFD;

λr = width-thickness ratio limit in order to avoid local buckling;

λp = width-thickness ratio limit in order to allow the complete plasticization of the

section.

4 Provisions of general application

4.1 Basic principles and hypothesis

4.1.1 The provisions related to design contained in this rule are, applied together with the
specific design rules of each material, destined to the compliance with the following purposes:

a) Protection of life in the industry

a.1) Avoid the collapse of structures in relation to seismic events more severe than the
designed seismic event.

a.2) Avoid fires, explosions, or discharge of gases and toxic liquids.

a.3) Protect the environment.

a.4) Guarantee the operation of escape routes during seismic emergences.

b) Continuity of the industrial operation

b.1) Maintain the essential procedures and services.

b.2) Avoid or reduce at a minimum time the industrial stoppage.

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b.3) Make it easier the inspection and repair of the damages elements.

4.1.2 In general, it is acceptable that the seismic analysis is based on the use of linear structure
models, however the resistant elements must be dimensioned by means of the method
specified in the rules of each material, which may be of admissible tensions or last loads.

4.1.3 In order to comply with the purpose mentioned in clause 4.1.1, a.1), the structures must
have a broad resistance reserve and/or be capable of absorbing great quantities of energy, but
beyond the elastic limit, before it fails. For such the global structural system must comply with
the following requirements:

a) Guarantee a ductile behavior of the resistant elements and their connections, to avoid
failures due to instability or fragility, or otherwise, guarantee the elastic behavior.

b) Provide more than one resistance line for the seismic requests. The seismic-resistant
systems must be redundant and hyperstatic. Exception can only occur in this rule in case of
express approval of an expert defined in 3.1.12.

c) Provide simple and clearly identifiable systems for the transmission of seismic efforts to the
foundations, avoiding high asymmetry and complexity structures.

In order to comply with the continuity purposes of the industrial operations, and those
mentioned in item a.2) and a.3), the structures, equipment and their anchors must be designed
so that during the occurrence of earthquakes more severe than the designed seismic, the
following requirements are complied with, in addition to those indicated in letter a), b) and c)
above:

d) Limit the inclusions in the non-elastic range, in case they put in danger the continuity of the
operation or rescue operations.

e) The damages shall be produced in visible and accessible places.

f) Those emergency and control equipment, whose operation during the emergency must be
guaranteed, must be duly qualified according to the international rules, with the approval of
the process engineers and experts.

4.1.4 In order for the seismic-resistant structure to be ductile during its cyclic behavior,
according to the provisions established in 4.1.3 a), the requirements contained in clause 8, 9
and Attachment B shall be complied with.

4.1.5 The specialists and process engineers defined in 3.1.12 and 3.1.6 have established, in
each project, the seismic design conditions of all structures, equipment and their anchors, in a
way to satisfy the purposes indicated in 4.1.1. In particular, it must be indicated to each
structure and equipment its seismic classification, methods and analysis, criteria, relevant
standards and illustrative plans, which shall be defined in the project specifications. The
seismic design of the equipment was made by the engineers of the manufacturers providing
them, however they must be approved by the expert defined in 4.6.2.

4.1.6 Location

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In order to determine the location of the industry, it must be considered the risks caused by
other phenomenon associated to the seismic action, such as the topographic amplification,
seaquakes, displacements due to failure and land slides, erosion or densification of the soil.
For such, in addition to comply with provisions of 4.2 from NCh433.Of96, the following studies
shall be carried out: all applicable geological, topographic, seaquakes and geotechnical
studies, which must be performed by professionals experienced in such issues.

4.2 Ways to specify the seismic action

The seismic action may be specified in one of the following ways:

a) Upon horizontal and vertical seismic coefficients, applicable to the weights of several
parts in which the system was considered divided for its analysis, as set forth in 5.3, 5.5 and
5.6.

b) Upon response spectra of linear systems of a certain free level for the horizontal and
vertical translation movements of the foundation soil, as established in 5.4 and 5.5.

c) Providing descriptive values of the soil movement, such as the maximum soil acceleration,
speed and displacement values, both in the horizontal and vertical direction and other
similar ones, as established in 5.8.1.

d) Upon real or synthetic accelerograms duly formulated for the horizontal and vertical
movements of the foundation soil, as established in 5.8.2.

If alternative a) or b) is used, it must be respected the provisions contained in 4.1 of

NCh433.Of96, on the seismic zoning of the national territory (Figure 5.1 and Table 5.1), and in
4.2 of said rule, on the effects of the foundation soil (Table 5.3) and of the topography of
seismic movement characteristics.

The use of alternatives c) or d) must be based in the results of seismic danger studies, in which
the regional and local seismic activities must be considered, the geological, geotechnical and
topographic conditions, and the direct and indirect consequences of the failures of structures
and equipment. In every case the provisions specified in 5.8.1 and 5.8.2 must be complied
with.

In case of suspicion of the existence of close field effects, a special analysis must be carried
out.

4.3 Classification of structures and equipment according to their importance

4.3.1 Classification

For the purposes of the application of this rule, structures and equipment are classified in
categories according to their importance, as follows:

 Category C1. Critical works, for any of the following reasons:

a) Vital, that must be maintained operational to control fires or explosions and ecological
damage, and satisfy the affected people’s heath and first aid needs.

b) Dangerous, whose failure causes fire, explosion or air or water poisoning risks.

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c) Essential, whose failure may cause extended shutdowns and serious production
losses.

 Category C2. Regular works, that may have quickly repairable smaller failures, not
causing extended shutdowns or important production losses or that may put in danger
other category C1 works.

 Category C3. Smaller or provisional works or equipment, whose seismic failure does
not cause extended shutdowns, or put in danger other category C1 and C2 works.

4.3.2 Importance Coefficients

Each category corresponds to one importance coefficient I, whose value is the following:

C1 I = 1.20

C2 I = 1.00

C3 I = 0.80

4.4 Coordination with other rules

4.4.1 Chilean rules

The provisions contained in this rule shall be applied together with the provisions contained in
other load or design rules for each material, according to what is established in 5.3 of
NCh433.Of96.

4.4.2 Foreign rules

In case of loads or materials not set forth in 5.2 and 5.3 of NCh433.Of96, internationally know
rules or criteria accepted by experts approving the project must be used (see 4.6.2).

In every case, said rules and criteria must comply with the basic hypothesis and principles
indicated in 4.1 of this rule.

4.5 Load combinations

The combination of seismic requests with permanent loads and different types of overloads
must be made using the following overlapping rules:

a) When the design is made by admissible tension methods:

i) CP + aSC + SO*) + SA∗) ± Horizontal Seismic activity ± Vertical Seismic activity**)

*
The SO and SA loads combine with the seismic soil if any of the conditions below are
verified:

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ii) CP + SA ∗) ± Horizontal Seismic activity ± Vertical Seismic activity∗∗)

These combinations of admissible tensions may be increased in 33.3%.

b) When the design is made by means of the last load method:

i) 1.2 CP + aSC + SO ∗) + SA ∗) ± b Horizontal Seismic activity ± b Vertical Seismic activity∗∗)

ii) 0.9 CP + SA ∗) ± b Horizontal Seismic activity ± 0.3 Vertical Seismic activity∗∗)

in which:

a = factor affecting the SC overload determined without considering any type of reduction.
If must be equal to 1.0, unless in conjunction with the process engineer it is permitted a
reduction of the previously mentioned value, which must take into account the
probability that the overload occurs simultaneously with the seismic request level
defined in this rule. In every case, “a” shall have as minimum values those defined
below:

TYPE OF LIMITED AREA a

Warehouses and general storage areas with low rotational rate 0.50

Regular use areas, operation platforms 0.25

Diagonals supporting vertical loads 1.00

Maintenance walkways and roofs 0

b = amplification factor of the seismic loads, defined due to analysis methods currently
used for different material. Adopts the following values:

Steel structures or equipment b = 1.1

Concrete structures or equipment b = 1.4

i) The SA action derives from the occurrence of the seismic activity, and must be
considered with its sign.

ii) It may be expected that the SO action has been occurring as the seismic activity is not
interrupted or detained during the seismic activity and due to its action.

If the seismic activity generates an effect causing the SO or SA action to be necessarily

interrupted upon the beginning of the base accelerations, such action shall not be
considered.
**)
This vertical seismic activity shall be considered only in the cases indicated in 5.1.1 and the
magnitude thereof shall be determined according to 5.5.

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In the combinations i) indicated in a) and b) above, the signs + or – for the vertical seismic shall
be applied in a way to obtain an effect in addition to the one produced by the CP and SC loads.
In the combinations ii) indicated in a) and b) the signs + or – for the same vertical seismic shall
be applied so that an inverse effect is obtained, that is, reduce the effect of the CP and SC
loads.

The seismic request is an occasional load that shall not be superimposed to other occasional
loads. For special locations on high and mountainous areas, where there may possibly be wind
and snow of great magnitude and duration, special studies must be carried out to determine the
values of these loads probably coinciding with the design seismic activity.

If there is a need to consider several content levels in recipients, pipes or tanks, the number of
these combinations increases to cover different situations.

4.6 Project and review of the seismic design

4.6.1 The original seismic design must be made by experts, (see 3.1.12). Exception shall only
be made with the equipment designed by manufacturers located abroad.

4.6.2 The seismic design of all structures and their structures and anchors, regardless the
origin thereof, must be approved by experts, different from the designers.

4.6.3 The plans and calculation reports must contain at least the information specified in 5.11
from NCh433.Of96. The plans and reports must be signed by the original designer indicated in
4.6.1 and by an expert indicated in 4.6.2.

It shall only be an exception the C3 category equipment and structures, to which it is enough
the presentation of plans signed by the original designer, with indication of the resistant
elements dimensions and materials, weights, gravity centers and anchor details.

4.6.4 The review and approval of the seismic design do not exempt the original designers from
their responsibility for compliance with rules and specifications.

4.7 General provisions on the application of this rule

If the type of structure is explicitly mentioned in this rule, the respective design regulations must
be used. If the structure may be associated with several classifications implying in different
design regulations, those strictest must be used.

5 Seismic Analysis

5.1 General provisions

5.1.1 Seismic request direction

The structures must be analyzed, at least, for seismic action in two approximately
perpendicular horizontal directions.

The vertical seismic acceleration effects must be considered in the following cases:

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a) Suspension bars of hanging equipment and their supporting elements and welded,
laminated or folded steel beams, with or without supporting slab, located in a seismic zone
3, in which permanent zones represent more than 75% of the total load.

b) Pre-compressed concrete structures and elements (pre-tensed and post-tensed).

c) Foundations and elements related to the anchor and support of structures and equipment.

d) Any other structure or element in whose dimensioning the seismic action variation has a
substantial impact, such as, for example, the structures or elements in cantilever.

e) Structures with seismic insulation sensitive to the vertical effects.

5.1.2 Combination of effects for earthquake horizontal components

For the design of the structural elements resistant to the seismic activity, in general, it is not
necessary to combine the effects resulting from the two horizontal components of the seismic
action. It may be proceeded as if said effects had not occurred and, as a consequence, the
seismic elements may be designed according to the analysis directions considered separately.

It shall be an exception to this rule the structures presenting notorious torsion irregularities or
those having rigid frames in both directions with columns common to two resistance lines
intersecting each other. In such cases, the elements must be designed for the efforts obtained
considering 100% of the seismic request acting in a certain direction in addition to the efforts
obtained considering 30% of the seismic request acting in an orthogonal direction in relation to
the prior one, and vice-versa. It shall be considered the greater efforts resulting from the two
prior combinations.

5.1.3 Seismic mass for the structural model

In order to calculate the horizontal inertia strengths during an earthquake, the operational
overloads may be reduced according to the probability of occurrence simultaneously with the
design earthquake.

Regardless the above, the live loads may be reduced by multiplying them for the following
coefficients:

 Roofs, platforms and walkways both for operation and maintenance: :0

 Warehouses, file rooms and similar places: : 0.5

For the purposes of determining the effects of the vertical seismic activity in the cases indicated
in 5.1.1, it shall not be considered the reduction of vertical loads, except those indicated in
NCh1537 for live loads.

5.2 Method of Analysis

5.2.1 General Aspects

The seismic analysis shall be made regularly using linear methods, for one seismic action
specified according to 4.2 a), or 4.2 b), or 4.2 c).

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In special cases, the analysis may be based on the non-linear response, for a seismic action
specified according to 4.2 d).

5.2.2 Linear methods

Three procedures may be used:

a) Equivalent strength or static analysis, only for structures up to 20 m of height, whenever

their seismic response may be assimilated to the response of a free level system.

b) Spectral modal analysis, to any kind of structure.

c) Special methods for structures with elastic behavior, as set forth in 5.8.

5.2.3 Non-linear methods

The non-linear analysis methods correspond to one of the special analysis methods indicated
in 5.8 which comply with the time-history analysis conditions of 5.8.2.

According to the principles of the rule contained in 4.1, the non-linear performances must be
moderated to guarantee the continuity of the industry operation.

The non-linear model must properly shape the resistant capacity and behavior of the structural
elements supported by lad trials carried out with such purpose or by regularly accepted
experimental studies.

The ductility demand must not exceed the limit established according to the permitted damage,
however no section must be greater than 2/3 of the local ductility available.

Maximum non-linear displacements calculated must not be reduced and must satisfy the limits
established in 6.3.

The non-linear model may incorporate the soil-structure dynamic interaction, however its
influence shall be limited to 75% of the results obtained by the same non-linear model but with
rigid base.

5.3 Static elastic analysis

5.3.1 Mathematical model of the structure

5.3.1.1 The structure mathematic model must be capable of properly representing the
transference of requests from the application points until the supports. For such, it must be
included at least all elements of the seismic-resistant system, the rigidity and resistance of
those relevant elements for the strength distribution and correct space location of the masses.

5.3.1.2 In general, a tridimensional model must be used, except for the cases in which the
behavior may be foreseen with plain models.

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5.3.1.3 In structures without rigid horizontal diaphragms, it must be defined a sufficient number
of nodal freedom degrees associated to translational masses. Whenever necessary, it must
also be considered the rotational masses.

5.3.1.4 In structures with rigid horizontal diagrams, it may be employed a model with three
freedom degrees per floor.

5.3.1.5 In structures supporting equipment having an influence in its response, the mathematic
model must consider the equipment-structure set.

5.3.1.6 In case of large suspended equipment, the mathematic model must include the
suspension and interconnection devices between the equipment and the supporting structure.

5.3.1.7 If necessary, according to the soil characteristics or type of foundation, to consider the
effect of the soil-structure interaction, it may be used disconnected springs for translation and
rotation.

5.3.1.8 The effects of the natural torsion and accidental torsion must only be considered in the
levels having rigid diaphragm. The accidental torsion effect may be included considering the
possible variations in the distribution of proper weights and overloads. If there are no precedent
to practice the above, provision 6.2.8 of NCh433.Of96 may be used.

5.3.2 Horizontal baseline shear strength

The horizontal baseline shear strength must be calculated as expressed below:

Qo = CIP (5-1)

in which:

Qo = baseline shear strength;

C = seismic coefficient, defined in 5.3.3;

I = Importance coefficient specified in 4.3.2;

P = total building weight on the baseline level, calculated as indicated in 5.1.3.

For such, the plan separating the structure foundation must be considered
as baseline level, except if otherwise indicated by an expert.

5.3.3 The seismic coefficient is determined as follows:

(5-2)

in which:

Ao = maximum effective acceleration defined in Table 5.2 according to the

seismic zoning established in Figure 5.1 and Table 5.1;

T ′, n = parameters related to the type of foundation soil, which is determined

16
 NCh2369

in Table 5.3 and 5.4;

T* = fundamental vibration period in the analysis direction;

R = response modification factor established in Table 5.6;

ξ = damping index established in Table 5.5.

5.3.3.1 The C value does not need to be greater than that indicated in Table 5.7.

5.3.3.2 Under any circumstance, the C value shall be inferior to 0.25 Ao/g.

5.3.4 Fundamental vibration period

The vibration fundamental period T * must be calculated by a theoretical or empirical procedure

supported by evidences.

5.3.5 High-rise distribution

The seismic strengths must be high-rise distributed as follows:

in which:

Fk = seismic horizontal strength in k level;

Pk , Pj = seismic weight in k and j levels;

Ak = standard in k level ( k = 1 is the lower level);

n = number of levels;

Qo = baseline shear strength;

Zk,Zk-1 = height on the baseline of levels k and k − 1;

H = height of the highest level on the baseline level.

5.4 Dynamic elastic analysis

5.4.1 Mathematic model of the structure

17
NCh2369

It must be applied provisions 5.3.1.1 to 5.3.1.7 of the static elastic analysis.

5.4.2 Design spectrum

The spectral modal analysis must be made for the following design spectrum:

in which:

T = vibration period of the considered mode.

Notwithstanding, the Sa value must not be greater than ICmax × g ., in which Cmax is determined at
Table 5.7.

5.4.3 Number of Modes

The analysis must include sufficient ways to vibrate so that the sum of the equivalent masses,
in each analysis direction, is equivalent or superior to 90% of the total mass.

5.4.4 Modal overlapping

The seismic strengths or deformations must be calculating superimposing the maximum modal
values by the Complete Square Overlapping method, according to the following formulas:

in which:

S = modal combination;

Si , Sj = maximum values of contributions for modes i and j;

Cij coupling coefficient between modes i and j;

ξ = damping index established in Table 5.5.

Ti, Tj period from modes i and j;

18
 NCh2369

5.4.5 Minimum baseline shear strength

If the o Q baseline shear strength is lower than the following value:

All deformation and strengths must be multiplied by the Qmin/Qo quotient, for design effects.

5.4.6 Accidental torsion

The effect of the accidental torsion must only be considered in the levels having a rigid
diaphragm. In such cases, such effect may be included considering the possible variations in
the distribution of proper weights or overloads. If there are no precedents to performance the
above, provision 6.3.4 of NCh433.Of96 must be applied.

5.5 Vertical seismic action

5.5.1 The vertical seismic action may be considered in the static form, as indicated below:

a) For the cases indicated in 5.1.1 a) and 5.1.1 b), an even vertical seismic coefficient must be
applied, to all elements, equivalent to A0/g. Thus, the vertical seismic strength must be: Fv =
(A0/g) IP ±, in which P is the sum of the permanent loads and overloads.

b) For the cases set forth in 5.1.1 c) and 5.1.1 d), the seismic coefficient must be 2 A0 3 g.

c) For the cases set forth in 5.1.1 e), the provisions contained in 5.9. shall be observed.

5.5.2 Alternatively, it may be developed a vertical dynamic analysis with the acceleration
spectrum indicated in the expression (5-5), for R = 3 y ξ = 0.03. In this case, the spectral y-axis
does not need to be greater than IA0. Damping ratios greater than 0.03 must be specially
justified.

5.6 Rigid and robust equipment sustained in the ground

This provision refers to equipment whose proper fundamental period is less or equal to 0.06 s,
including the effect of the system connecting it to its foundation.

Such equipment may be designed by a static analysis method, with a horizontal seismic
coefficient horizontal equivalent to 0.7 A0/g and one vertical seismic coefficient equivalent to 0.5
A0/g.

5.7 Design for horizontal different displacements

In case of bridges or walkways connecting buildings, towers or other equipment, horizontal

supports must be provided, allowing a real seismic displacement between structures or
equipment indicated in 6.2.

Under no event the support longitude shall be lower than S, where:

19
NCh2369

in which:

S = minimum support length (see Figure 5.2);

L = light in meters of the bridge or walkways between supports;

H = height in meters of the bridge or walkway supports over the foundation seal
of the higher structure or equipment.

5.8 Special analysis

5.8.1 Spectral analysis

5.8.1.1 Special spectrums applicable to a certain project may be developed, taking into account
the characteristics and importance of the works to be built, the geotechnical conditions of the
place, the distance of the seismogenic sources, their characteristics, and the local factors to
amplify or reduce the soil movement intensity due to the topography of the place, occasional
wave direction effects, or underground configuration and constitution.

With such purpose it may be defined standards such as the maximum acceleration values,
speed and displacement of the soil and configure thereby the special spectrums for the
damping levels set forth in Table 5.5, or define others allowing formulations similar to those
contained in NCh433.Of96.

5.8.1.2 For design purposes, the definition of the maximum acceleration, speed and
displacement values, must bring the historical or determinant precedent which may be applied
or related to the place under analysis, which may be complemented with probabilistic values
obtained from the seismic risk analysis developed for earthquakes with a return period of 100
years. In the risk analysis, the attenuation formulas used shall correspond to the expected
acceleration, speed or displacement values, corresponding to the characteristics of the
seismogenic sources considered in the study.

5.8.1.3 The baseline shear strength obtained with the spectrum defined by means of these
special analyses shall not be less than 75% nor need to be higher than 125% of those obtained
with the methods indicated in 5.4.

5.8.2 Time-history analysis

5.8.2.1 For the time-history analysis at least three actual registries must be used, representing
the considered seismogenic zones, scaled in a way that the resulting spectrum to be combined
with the spectrums of each registry, upon the square root of the square average for scaled
individual values, does not fall in no point of the interest frequency range under the design
spectrum defined in 5.8.1.

5.8.2.2 Alternatively, a synthetic registry may be used, whose spectrum cast values greater
than those defined in 5.8.1 for all interest frequency range.

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 NCh2369

5.8.2.3 When three different registries are used, it is adopted for the design the interest
standard maximum values, obtained by the application of each one of them. For the purpose of
this definition, interest standard shall be understood as the request, axial strength, shear,
bending moment or deformation obtained for each member in particular or for the structure
globally considered.

5.8.2.4 When the time-history analysis is linear, the resulting strengths in the members may be
divided by the R factors indicated in Table 5.6, whenever the calculated displacements are
compatible with the limits imposed in 6.3.

5.8.2.5 The time-history analysis must be carried out considering each time movements in just
one of the structure main directions, acting simultaneously with the excitation vertical.

5.8.2.6 In the time-history analysis, the damping shall be in accordance with Table 5.5 and the
duration of the registry must be equal or higher than 120 s, unless a seismic risk study gives
basis to the use of a different duration.

5.8.3 Minimum baseline shear strength

If the baseline shear strength determined according to 5.8.1 or 5.8.2 is lower than the following
value:

all deformations and strengths must be multiplied by the o Qmin/Q0 quotient, for the purposes of
the design, except if a non-linear time-history analysis is carried out.

5.9 Structures with seismic insulation or energy dissipaters

5.9.1 General considerations

5.9.1.1 It shall be understood as energy dissipation and seismic insulation systems any device
incorporated to the resistant scheme of an structure with the purpose to modify its dynamic
properties, whether modifying its vibration fundamental period, increasing its energy dissipation
capacity or modifying the distribution of strength, with the purpose to improve its seismic
response.

5.9.1.2 The structure resistant system in relation to lateral strengths and the energy dissipation
and/or insulation system must be designed in order to resist the deformation and resistance
demand produced by a seismic movement, as specified in 5.9, 5.8.1 and 5.8.2 of this rule.

5.9.1.3 The mathematic model of the physical structure must represent the distribution of
masses and rigidity of the structure in a proper level for the calculation of the substantial
characteristics of its dynamic response. It must be used a superstructure tridimensional model
considering the vertical displacements contained in the insulators. For the cases indicated in
5.1.1 e) the model must include the vertical freedom degrees in the dynamic analysis. The
damping ratios must be those corresponding to the energy dissipation or insulation systems.

21
NCh2369

5.9.1.4 The analysis and verification of the energy dissipation or insulation systems must be
carried out upon a spectral modal analysis or frequency or time response history analysis. The
spectral modal analysis may only be used if the device or insulator is susceptible to be shaped
in a valid equivalent linear shape.

5.9.1.5 The spectral analyses (see 5.4 and 5.8.1) or response history analyses (see 5.8.2)
must be carried out considering the horizontal components, once at a time, acting at the plant
in the most unfavorable direction simultaneously with the vertical component, whenever
necessary according to 5.1.1 e).

5.9.1.6 The strength-deformation relations considered in the analysis for the chosen devices,
must be duly supported by and based on laboratory trials.

5.9.1.7 In regards to the structures provided with energy dissipation and/or insulation systems,
the baseline shear limitations indicated in 5.3.3.2 and 5.4.5 are not applicable. Thus, in the
structures with insulators, the limitation to the maximum deformation indicated in 6.3 is only
applicable to the superstructure and not to the insulation interface.

5.9.2 Structures with seismic insulators

The seismic insulations systems must be analyzed and designed according to the provisions
contained in NCh2745.

5.9.3 Structures with energy dissipaters

5.9.3.1 All structures with energy dissipation systems must be designed using the spectrums
described in 5.4 or 5.8 and soon verified using three registries compatible with the implied
demand level in the design spectrum, according to the methodology indicated in 5.8.2.

5.9.3.2 The seismic analysis of structures with energy dissipation systems must be carried out
using dynamic analysis procedures duly considering the strength-deformation constitutive
relation of the devices included in the structure.

5.9.3.3 The dissipation systems to be used in a structure must have been previously submitted
to experimental studies demonstrating a stable cyclical behavior of the device, as well as
possible variation of its properties under different temperature.

5.10 Other structures not specifically mentioned in this rule

If the Q0 baseline shear strength determined for these structures is lower than the following
value:

all deformations and strengths must be multiplied by Qmin/Q0 quotient for design effects.

This provision shall be applied to structures explicitly mentioned in Table 5.6.

22
 Table 5.1 – Seismic zoning for municipalities of the Fourth and Ninth Region
Region Zone 3 Zone 2 Zone 1
Andacollo
Combarbalá
Coquimbo
Illapel
La Higuera
La Serena
Los Vilos
4th Mincha
Monte Patria
Ovalle
Paiguano
Punitaqui
Río Hurtado
Salamanca
Vicuña
Algarrobo Calle Larga
Cabildo Los Andes
Calera San Esteban
Cartagena
Casablanca
Catemu
Concón
El Quisco
El Tabo
Hijuelas
La Cruz
La Ligua
Limache
Llayllay
Nogales
Olmué
5th Panquehue
Papudo
Petorca
Puchuncaví
Putaendo
Quillota
Quilpué
Quintero
Rinconada
San Antonio
San Felipe
Santa María
Santo Domingo
Valparaíso
Villa Alemana
Viña del Mar
Zapallar
(continued)

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NCh2369

Table 5.1 – Seismic zoning for municipalities of the Fourth and Ninth Region (continued)

Region Zone 3 Zone 2 Zone 1

Alhué Buin
Curacaví Calera de Tango
El Monte Cerrillos
Lampa Cerro Navia
María Pinto Colina
Melipilla Conchalí
San Pedro El Bosque
Tiltil Estación Central
Huechuraba
Independencia
Isla de Maipo
La Cisterna
La Florida
La Granja
La Pintana
La Reina
Las Condes
Lo Barnechea
Lo Espejo
Lo Prado
Macul
Metropolitan Maipú
Ñuñoa
Paine
Pedro Aguirre Cerda
Peñaflor
Peñalolén
Pirque
Providencia
Pudahuel
Puente Alto
Quilicura
Quinta Normal
Recoleta
Renca
San Bernardo
San Joaquín
San José de Maipo
San Miguel
San Ramón
Santiago
Talagante
Vitacura
(continued)

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 NCh2369

Table 5.1 – Seismic zoning for municipalities of the Fourth and Ninth Region

Region Zone 3 Zone 2 Zone 1

La Estrella Chépica
Las Cabras Chimbarongo
Litueche Codegua
Lolol Coinco
Marchigüe Coltauco
Navidad Doñihue
Palmilla Graneros
Peralillo Machalí
Paredones Malloa
Peumo Mostazal
6th
Pichidegua Nancagua
Pichilemu Olivar
Pumanque Placilla
Santa Cruz Quinta de Tilcoco
Rancagua
Rengo
Requínoa
San Fernando
San Vicente de Tagua
Tagua
Cauquenes Colbún
Chanco Curicó
Constitución Linares
Curepto Longaví
Empedrado Molina
Hualañé Parral
Licantén Pelarco
Maule Rauco
7th
Pelluhue Retiro
Pencahue Río Claro
San Javier Romeral
Talca Sagrada Familia
Vichuquén San Clemente
Teno
Villa Alegre
Yerbas Buenas
(continued)

25
NCh2369

Table 5.1 – Seismic zoning for municipalities of the Fourth and Ninth Region (continued)

Region Zone 3 Zone 2 Zone 1

Arauco Antuco
Bulnes Coihueco
Cabrero El Carmen
Cañete Los Angeles
Chillán Mulchén
Cobquecura Ñiquén
Coelemu Pemuco
Concepción Pinto
Contulmo Quilaco
Coronel Quilleco
Curanilahue San Fabián
Florida San Ignacio
Hualqui Santa Bárbara
Laja Tucapel
Lebu Yungay
Los Alamos
Lota
8th
Nacimiento
Negrete
Ninhue
Penco
Portezuelo
Quillón
Quirihue
Ranquil
San Carlos
San Nicolás
San Rosendo
Santa Juana
Talcahuano
Tirúa
Tomé
Treguaco
Yumbel
Angol Collipulli Curarrehue
Carahue Cunco Lonquimay
Galvarino Curacautín Melipeuco
Los Sauces Ercilla Pucón
Lumaco Freire
Nueva Imperial Gorbea
9th
Purén Lautaro
Renaico Loncoche
Saavedra Perquenco
Teodoro Schmidt Pitrufquén
Toltén Temuco
Traiguén Victoria

26
 NCh2369

Table 5.1 – Seismic zoning for municipalities of the Fourth and Ninth Region

Vilcún
Villarrica

27
 NCh2369

Table 5.2 – Maximum effective acceleration value A0

Seismic zone A0
1 0.20 g
2 0.30 g
3 0.40 g
Table 5.3 – Definition of the types of foundation soil. (Soil to be used with Table 5.4)
Type
of Description
Soil
Rock: Natural material, with shear wave speed propagation in-situ vs equivalent or
higher than 900 m/s, or resistance of the uniaxial compression of intact test specimens
I
(without cracks) equivalent or higher than 10 MPa y RQD equivalent or higher than
50%.
a) Soil with Vs equivalent or higher than 400 m/s in the 10 m superior, and increasing
with the depth; or,
b) Dense gravel, with dry unitary weight γd equivalent or higher than 20 kN/m³, the
density index ID(DR) (relative density) equivalent or higher than 75%, the compaction
level higher than 95% of the Modified Proctor value; or;
c) Dense arena, with ID(DR) higher than 75%, the Standard Penetration Index N greater
than 40 (regulated the effective overload pressure of 0.10 MPa), the compaction
II
level higher than 95% of the Modified Proctor value; or,
d) Hard cohesive soil, resistant to the shear in drained su equivalent to higher than 0.10
Pa (resistant to the simple compression qu equivalent or greater than 0.20 MPa) in
test specimens without any cracks.
In every case, the conditions indicated must be complied with regardless of the water
level position and the minimum strata thickness must be 20 m. If the thickness over
the rock is lower than 20 m, the soil shall be classified as type I.
a) Permanently non-saturated arena, with ID(DR) between 55 and 75%, or N greater
than 20 (without regulating the effective overload pressure of 0.10 MPa); or,
b) Non-saturated gravel or arena, with compaction level lower than 95% of the Modified
Proctor value; or,
c) Cohesive soil with su comprised between 0.025 and 0.10 MPa ( qu between 0.05 and
III
0.20 MPa) regardless of the water level; or,
d) Saturated arena with N comprised between 20 and 40 (regulated at the effective
overload pressure of 0.10 Mpa).
Minimum strata thickness: 10 m. If the strata thickness on the rock on the soil
corresponds to type II is lower than 10 m, the soil shall be classified as type II.
Saturated cohesive soil with su equivalent or lower than 0.025 MPa ( qu equivalent or
lower than 0.050 MPa).
IV
Strata minimum thickness: 10 m. If the strata thickness on the soil corresponding to any
of the types I, II or III is lower than 10 m, the soil shall be classified as type III.

28
NCh2369

Table 5.4 – Value of standards depending on the type of soil

Type of soil T′ (s) n

I 0.20 1.00

II 0.35 1.33

III 0.62 1.80

IV 1.35 1.80

Table 5.5 – Damping ratios

Resistant system ξ
Welded steel cover; chimneys, silos, hoppers, pressure tanks, process towers,
0.02
pipes, etc.
Steel riveted or bolting cover
0.03
Welded steel frames with or without braces
0.02
Steel frames with bolting land connectors, with or without braces
0.03
Brickwork and reinforced concrete structures
0.05
Reinforced concrete pre-manufactured structures purely gravitational
0.05
Reinforced concrete pre-manufactured structures with humid connectors, not
dilated of the non-structural elements incorporated in the structural model 0.05

Reinforced concrete pre-manufactured structures with dilated humid connectors of

non-structural elements 0.03

Reinforced concrete pre-manufactured structures with dry, dilated and non-dilated

connectors:

With bolting connections and connections using bars embedded in landfill mortar 0.03

With welded connections 0.02

Other structures not included or available to those of this list

0.02
NOTES

1) In case a soil-structure interaction analysis is used resulting in damping ratio values of the
first mode higher than those indicated in these tables, the increase of this ratio may not be
superior to 50% of the indicated values. The values for the rest of the modes must be those
indicated in this table.

2) In case of any doubts on the classification of a resistant system, the provisions contained in
4.7. shall be applied.

29
NCh2369

Table 5.6 – Maximum values of the response modification factor

Resistant system R
1. Structures designed to remain elastic 1
2. Other structures not included in or available to those of this list1) 2
3. Steel structures
3.1 Buildings and structures of steel ductile frames with non-structural dilated
5
elements
3.2 Buildings and structures of steel ductile frames with non-dilated structural
3
elements incorporated in the structural mode
3.3 Buildings and structures of braced supports, with ductile anchors 5
3.4 One floor industrial buildings, with or without bridge crane, and with roof
5
continuous damping
3.5 One floor industrial buildings, without bridge crane, without roof continuous
3
damping, according to 11.1.2
3.6 Light steel ships satisfying the conditions of 11.2.1 4
3.7 Inverted pendulum structures 2) 3
3.8 Isostatic seismic structures 3
3.9 Steel cover or iron structures, whose seismic behavior is controlled by a local
3
bending phenomenon
4. Reinforced concrete structures
4.1 Reinforced concrete ductile frame structure building with dilated non-structured
5
elements
4.2 Reinforced concrete ductile frame structures and buildings with non-structural
3
and non-dilated elements incorporated in the structural model
4.3 Reinforced concrete building and structures, with shear walls 5
4.4 One floor industrial buildings, with or without bridge crane, and with roof
5
continuous damping
4.5 One floor industrial buildings, without bridge crane, without roof continuous
3
damping, according to 11.1.2
(continued)

30
 NCh2369

Table 5.6 – Maximum values of the response modification factor

Resistant System R
4.6 Inverted pendulum structures 2) 3
4.7 Isostatic seismic structures 3
5. Pre-manufactured reinforced concrete structures
5.1 Purely gravitational pre-manufactured structures 5
5.2 Pre-manufactured structures with humid connectors, not dilated from non-
3
structural elements incorporated in the structural model
5.3 Pre-manufactured structures with humid connectors, dilated from non-structural
5
elements
5.4 Pre-manufactured structures with dry connectors, dilated and non-dilated, with:
Bolting connections and connections using bars embedded in landfill mortar3) 4
Welded connections soldadas3) 4

5.5 Inverted pendulum of pre-manufactured structures 2) or with cantilever pillars 3

5.6 Isostatic seismic structures 3
6. Brickwork buildings and structures
6.1 Block reinforced brickwork with completely filled out hollows 4
6.2 Block reinforced brickwork without completely filled out hollows, and reinforced
3
brickwork of grid type ceramic units
6.3 Confined masonry 4
7. Tanks, recipients, chimneys, silos and hoppers
7.1 Chimneys, silos and hoppers with continuous cover up to the floor 3
7.2 Silos, hoppers, tanks supported on columns, with or without damping between
4
columns
7.3 Vertical axis steel tanks, with continuous cover up to the floor 4
7.4 Vertical axis reinforced concrete tanks, with continuous cover up to the floor 3
7.5 Tanks and ducts of compounded synthetic material (FRP, GFRP, HDPE and
3
similar ones)
7.6 Horizontal recipients sustained on cradle supports with ductile anchors 4
(continued)

31
NCh2369

Table 5.7 – Maximum values of the seismic coefficient (continued)

Resistant Systems R
8. Towers, tubes and equipment
8.1 Process towers 3
8.2 Plastic or wood steam systems 4
8.3 Electric cabinet control sustained on the soil 3
8.4 Steel tubes, except its connections 5
9. Storage racks 4
NOTES
1) Except if a study demonstrates that an R value different from 2 may be used. It shall not
be classified as such the structures whose resistant system is explicitly mentioned in this
table.
2) Over 50% of the mass on a higher level. Only one resistant element.
3) R = 4 is a superior limit. If the value of R is lower for an equivalent reinforced concrete
structural system, such lower values must be used.
4) In case of any doubts on the classification of a resistant system, the provision contained
in 4.7. shall be applicable.

Table 5.7 – Maximum values of the seismic coefficient

C max.
R
ξ = 0.02 ξ = 0.03 ξ = 0.05
1 0.79 0.68 0.55
2 0.60 0.49 0.42
3 0.40 0.34 0.28
4 0.32 0.27 0.22
5 0.26 0.23 0.18
NOTE – The indicated values are valid for the seismic zone 3. For seismic zones 2 and 1, the
values of this table must be multiplied by 0.75 and 0.50, respectively.

32
Figure 5.1 a) – Seismic zoning of Regions I, II and III

33
NCh2369

Figure 5.1 b) – Seismic zoning of Regions IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X and Metropolitan
Region

34
 NCh2369

Figure 5.1 c) – Seismic Zoning of Regions XI and XII

35
NCh2369

Figure 5.2

6 Seismic Deformations

6.1 Deformation calculation

When the analysis is carried out with the seismic requests reduced by the R factor, the
deformations must be determined as follows:

in which:

d = seismic deformation;

d0 = due deformation of non-seismic service loads;

R1 = factor resulting from the multiplication of the R value obtained at Table 5.6
by the quotient. Q0/Qmin , whenever Q0/Qmin is lower or equivalent to 1.0.
However, for the minimum quotient Q0/Qmin, it must not be used a value
lower than 0.5. In case this quotient is greater than 1.0, it must be used R1
=R;

dd = deformation calculated with seismic requests reduced by factor R.

If the inelastic methods are used, the d deformation must be obtained directly from the
analysis.

6.2 Separation between structures

6.2.1 With the purpose to avoid impacts between adjacent structures, the separation between
such structures must be higher than the highest value among the following values:

36
 NCh2369

in which:

ddi , ddj = deformation of the i and j structures calculated according to 6.1;

R1i R1j = R1 modification factors of the response used to design i and j

structures; and

hi , hj = heights in the considered level, of i and j structures, measured from

their respective baseline levels.

6.2.2 The separation between the non-structural elements and the structure, rigid or fragile,
whose impact we wish to avoid, must be superior to the relative deformation between the levels
in which the element is found, calculated with the corresponding d values, however not less
than 0.005 times the element’s height.

6.3 Maximum seismic deformations

The seismic deformations must be limited to values not causing damages to the pipes, electric
system or other elements connected to the structure which is necessary to protect.

In every case, the deformations calculated with the expression (6-1) shall not exceed the
following values:

a) Pre-manufactured concrete structures constituted exclusively by a seismic-resistant system

based on wall connected by dry connectors.

b) Brickwork wall structures with partitions rigidly connected to the structure.

c) non-braced frames filled with dilated brickwork.

d) Other structures.

in which:

37
NCh2369

h = height of the floor or between two points located on the same vertical.

The limitations mentioned above may be disregarded if it can be demonstrated that a greater
deformation may be tolerated by the structural and non-structural elements.

6.4 P-Delta Effect

The P-Delta effect must be considered when the seismic deformations exceed the following
value:

7 Secondary elements and equipment assembled on structures

7.1 Range

It shall be defined as secondary elements, the walls and other tails adhered to the resistant
structure, however not forming part thereof. The equipment anchored in several levels of the
structure must satisfy the provisions set forth in 11.3.2.

7.2 Strength for the seismic design

7.2.1 According to 5.3.1.5, in case the secondary element or equipment had been included in
the structure model supporting them, they must be designed with the following horizontal
seismic strength, acting in any direction:

in which:

Qp = Shear strength presented at the baseline of the secondary element or

equipment according to a building analysis with seismic requests
reduced by factor R;

R1 = factor defined in 6.1;

RP = response modification factor of the secondary element or equipment,

according to Table 7.1;

PP = weight of a secondary element or equipment.

7.2.2 If the equipment does not need to be included in the structure modeling, except for its
mass, the design of secondary elements and equipment may be carried out with the following
seismic strengths:

a) When the acceleration ap is verified in the support level of the element or equipment,
obtained from a dynamic modal analysis of the building with seismic requests reduced by
factor R:

38
 NCh2369

In which coefficient Kp must be alternatively determined upon the use of one of the following
procedures:

being:

β=1 for 0.8 T*≤ Tp ≤ 1.1 T*

β = 1.25 (T p T*) for Tp < *0.8 T*

0.91 (T p β = T * ) for Tp > *1.1 T*

in which:

Tp = Proper period of the fundamental vibration mode of the secondary

element, including its anchor system, and T *is the period of the mode
with greater translational mass equivalent to the structure in the
direction in which the secondary element can get into resonance. In
order to determine β it may not be used a T * value lower than 0.06 s.

b) Whenever a modal dynamic analysis of the building is not carried out:

in which:

ak = acceleration in level k in which the secondary element or equipment is

assembled, determined according to 7.2.4.

7.2.3 Whenever the characteristics of the building are not known or the level in which the
secondary element or equipment will be assembled in is not known, its design may be made
with the seismic strength of the expression (7-5) using Kp = 2.2 and ak = 4 Ao /g. .

7.2.4 The acceleration in level k of the structure must be determined as follows:

39
NCh2369

in which:

Ao = maximum effective acceleration defined in 5.3.3;

Zk = height of the k level on the baseline level;

H = total height of the building on the baseline level.

7.2.5 The design seismic strength determined according to 7.2.1 or 7.2.2 shall not be inferior to
0.8 A0 Pp /g.

7.3 Anchor design strengths

7.3.1 All secondary elements and equipment must be properly anchored to the resistant
structure by means of bolts or other devices. Its design must be made with the seismic
strengths established in 7.2, with the modifications indicated in 7.3.2 and 7.3.3.

7.3.2 When the anchorage systems related to concrete elements include superficial anchorage
bolts, (those with longitude/diameter ratio below 8), the seismic strengths established in 7.2
must be increased in 50%, or alternatively, must be calculated with the Rp equivalent to 1.5.
The same provision shall apply when the anchorage bolts are designed without the longitude
specified in 8.6.2.

7.3.3 When the anchorage system is built with non-ductile materials, the seismic strengths
established in 7.2 must be amplified by 3, or alternatively, must be calculated with Rp equal to
1.0.

7.4 Automatic shear system

The ducts, recipients and equipment containing gases or liquids at high temperatures,
explosive or toxic, must be provided in an automatic shear system satisfying the provisions
contained in 8.5.4 of NCh433.Of96.

Table 7.1 – Maximum values of the factor modifying the response for secondary
elements and equipment
Secondary elements or equipment Rp

- Equipment or elements, rigid or flexible, non-ductile 1.5

aggregates or materials.

- Pre-manufactured secondary elements. Elements in

cantilevers. Partitions.

3
- Electrical and mechanical equipment in general

- Chimneys, tanks, steel towers

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 NCh2369

- Other cases not specified in this table.

-Warehouse racking.
4
-Secondary structures.

8 Special provisions for steel structures

8.1 Applicable rules

While the new version of the Chilean rules is not made official for the dimensioning and
construction of steel structures, the provisions set forth in this rule complemented by the
provision set forth in the following rules must be used:

a) Load and Resistance Factor Design Specifications for Structural Steel Buildings, 1999, of
the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC); or alternatively, Specifications for
Structural Steel Buildings, Allowable Stress Design, 1989, of AISC.

b) Specifications for the Design of Cold Formed Steel Structural Members, 1996, of American
Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), for the design of cold formed elements not included in the
AISC rules.

c) In the matters related to the seismic design, the AISC rules must be complemented with the
Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, Part 1: Structural Steel Buildings, 1999, of
AISC. Alternatively, it may be used the provisions of clause 8 and Attachment B of this rule.

8.2 Materials

8.2.1 The structural steel must comply with the following requirements:

 There must be during the tension tests a natural ductility plateau with a fluency limit
value inferior to 0.85 of the resistance to the rupture and minimum rupture elongations
of 20% in the test specimen of 50 mm.

 Welding guaranteed according to the AWS rules.

 Minimum toughness of 27 Joules at 21°C in the Charpy trial according to ASTM A 6.

 Fluency limit not superior to 450 MPa.

8.2.2 In addition to the conditions specified in 8.2.1, the materials must comply with some of the
following specifications:

 ASTM A 36, A 242, A 572 Gr. 42 y 50, A 588 Gr. 50, A 913 and A 992 for profiles,
plates, bars, anchorage and current bolts.

 DIN 17 100, qualities St. 44.2, St. 44.3 and St. 52.3 for the same elements.

 NCh203 A 42-27ES, A 37-24ES and NCh1159 A 52-34ES for the same elements.

41
NCh2369

 ASTM A 500 Gr. B y C, A 501 and A 502 for structural tubes.

 AWS 5 for welding.

It may be used materials complying with other specifications equivalent to the previous ones
and also approved by the experts of each project.

8.2.3 The seismic-resistant butt welding must completely penetrates, with minimum toughness
electrodes of 27 Joules at - 29°C in the Charpy trial according to ASTM A 6.

8.3 Braced frames

8.3.1 It is not permitted configurations with diagonals only working under traction, except for
light steel ships not governed by the provisions contained in 11.2.

8.3.2 In any resistant line there must be diagonals working under traction and diagonals
working under compression. The resistance provided by the diagonals under traction, for each
seismic action direction, must be at least 30% of the shear strength of the resistant line in the
corresponding level.

8.3.3 The elements and vertical seismic-resistant systems working under compression must
have width/thickness relations inferior to λr according to Table 8.1 (see Figure 8.1). The

slenderness of an element must be inferior to 1,5

8.3.4 The X diagonals must be connected to a crossing point. Such point may be considered
fixed in the perpendicular direction to the diagonals plan in order to determine the buckling
length of the part, when one of the diagonal is continuous.

8.3.5 In industrial buildings with V or inverted V frames, the beams must be continuous on the
point of intersection with the diagonals, and must be designed in order to resist vertical loads,
supposing that they are not sustained on the diagonals. The diagonals, at their turn, must be
capable of supporting the proper weight loads and overloads induced by the beam, plus the
seismic loads resulting from the analysis amplified by 1.5. The inferior and superior flanges of
the beams must be designed to support a transversal load located at the point of intersection
with the diagonals, equivalent to 2% of such flange’s nominal resistance, that is, Fy bf t , in
which:

Fy = yield stress of the flange;

bf = width of the flange;

t = thickness of the flange.

8.3.6 The seismic strength in the compressed diagonals must be lower or equal to 80% of the
resistant capacity defined in the steel design specification.

8.3.7 Seismic braces in K shall not be permitted, in which the diagonals are intersected in an
intermediate point of the column, unless there is in such point a jack forming part of the bracing
system.

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 NCh2369

8.3.8 The provisions contained in 8.3.3, 8.3.5 and 8.3.6 shall not be applicable to braces whose
strength results from increased seismic loads, whether inferior to one third of the combination
strength controlling the dimensioning.

8.4 Rigid frames

8.4.1 Moment connectors of seismic-resistant rigid frames must be of the TR type (totally rigid).
It shall not be permitted the use of connections of the PR type (partially rigid). Such connectors
must be designed in such way that the plastic hinge is developed into the beam at a prudent
distance from the column, which can be obtained reinforcing the connection or debilitating the
beam in the desired position for the plastic hinge.

8.4.2 It shall not permitted abrupt width changes to the flanges contained in the beams in the
potential zones for the formation of plastic hinges or around it, unless it is a reduced beam
section, properly designed to induce the hinge to such position.

8.4.3 The transversal sections of the columns and beams of seismic-resistant frames must be
qualified as compact, that is, must have width-thickness relations inferior to λp of Table 8.1.

8.4.4 In the structure of several floors in which the totality of the seismic-resistance depends on
rigid frames designed with R1 values higher or equivalent to 3, the sum of the capacities
resisting the bending of the columns converging into a node must be higher or equivalent to 1.2
times the sum of the capacities resisting the bending of the connected beams.

It is not necessary to comply with this requirement in any of the following cases:

a) If the seismic shear strength of all columns in which the above-mentioned provisions are not
complied with is lower than 25% of the seismic shear strength of the corresponding floor.

b) If the analysis and dimensioning of the structure is carried out with seismic strengths
equivalent to twice the values indicated in clause 5 of this rule.

c) If it is demonstrated by a non-linear method, (see 5.2.3), that the structure is established in

face of the deformation demands imposed by the earthquake.

8.4.5 The design of the panel zone of the beam-column connectors of seismic-resistant rigid
frames must comply with the provisions contained in Attachment B.

8.4.6 The columns with predominate compression, resistance to compression, without

considering the effect of the bending moment, must be superior to the auxiliary loads obtained
from the combinations of 4.5, in which the seismic load state of these combinations were
amplified by 2. It shall be defined as predominant compression to the situation in which the
axial strength obtained from combinations of 4.5 is greater than 40% of the design resistance to
the compression of the column.

8.4.7 The provision 8.4.3 is not applicable to rigid frame elements whose strengths resulting
from the increased seismic loads are inferior to one third of the combinations strength
controlling the dimensioning.

8.5 Connections

8.5.1 The materials must comply with the following requirements:

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NCh2369

 The seismic-resistant connection bolts must only be of high resistance, of quality ASTM
A 325 or ASTM A 490, or their equivalents.

 The electrodes and fluxing arc welding must comply with the specification AWS A 5.1, A
5.5, A 5.17, A 5.18, A 5.20, A 5.23 and A 5.29,or their equivalents.

 The electrodes must have a minimum toughness of 27 Joules at -29°C in the Charpy
trial according to ASTM A 6.

8.5.2 The connections and seismic diagonals must be designed to resist 100% of the traction
capacity of the unfinished section thereof.

8.5.3 The moment connections between beams and columns of seismic-resistant rigid frames
must have at least a resistance equivalent to the one of the connected elements.

8.5.4 In beam-column connectors of rigid frames, the superior and inferior flanges of the beams
must count on lateral supports designed for a strength equivalent to 0.02 Fy bf t .

8.5.5 The groove welds in seismic-resistant connectors must have a complete penetration.

8.5.6 The high resistance bolts must be placed with the pre-tensioning indicated for critical
sliding connectors (70% of the traction resistance for bolts A325 and A490). Notwithstanding,
the design resistance of the bolting connectors may be calculated as the one corresponding to
crushing type connector. The contact surfaces must be cleaned with mechanical rollers,
sanded or shot blasted; they shall not be painted, however the galvanized type is acceptable.

8.5.7 It shall not be permitted connectors whose resistance depends on a combination of welds
with high resistance bolts or studs. It shall be an exception to this rule, modifications to existent
stud structures.

8.5.8 In regards to land connectors, the following requirements must be complied with:

a) In connections with high resistance bolts it must be applied control and tightening
methodologies, in order to guarantee that the bolts are found in the pre-tensioning required
in 8.5.6.

b) Welds shall only be permitted in plain, vertical and horizontal positions, whenever the welder
is protected from wind and rain.

c) The welds must be complete penetration groove welds or fillet welds. Groove welds must
be controlled with ultrasounds or radiographies.

8.5.9 Column splicing must comply with the following conditions:

a) In buildings, the distance between the column splicing and the superior flange of the beam
must be superior or equal to the lower values between 900 mm and half of the column free
height.

b) Splicing must be dimensioned for the design strengths obtained from the combinations of
4.5, in which the seismic load state of these combinations are amplified by 2.

8.6 Anchorage

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 NCh2369

8.6.1 Equipment and structure supports transmitting seismic efforts to the foundations or other
concrete element must be anchored by means of anchorage bolts, shear plates, reinforcement
bars or other proper means.

8.6.2 Anchorage bolts subject to traction according to the analysis procedures indicated in
clause 4, 5 and 7 must have saddle and the stem must be visible so that it can be inspected
and repaired, and the wire must be sufficiently long to re-tighten the screws (see Attachment A,
Figure A.1). The exposed longitude of the bolts must not be inferior to 250 mm or to eight times
its diameter, or the length of the wire under the screw inferior to 75 mm.

It may be excepted from such requirement those anchorage bolts with sufficient capacity to
resist load combinations in which seismic strengths are amplified in 0.5 R times, however not
less than 1.5 times, in regards to the value indicated in clause 5 and 7.

In important equipment, such as really high process recipients, and in the structure of large
suspended equipment, such as boilers and similar equipment, it must be used high capacity
bolts of ductile deformation, easily repairable which may be occasionally replaced (see
Attachment A, Figure A.7).

8.6.3 Equipment and columns base plates in general must be comprised by shear plates or
seismic bumps designed to transmit 100% of the baseline shear strength (see Attachment A,
Figure A.1).

It shall be excepted from such requirement the following cases:

a) Supports with shear strength inferior to 50 kN; in this case, shear bolts are accepted,
considering that only two of them are active for such purpose and the corresponding shear-
traction interaction formulas.

b) Tank bases and equipment comprised of nine or more bolts; in this case, it shall be
accepted 100% of shear bolts, considering active one third of the total number of bolts, and
applying the corresponding traction shear interaction formulas with maximum traction and so
calculated shear.

c) Ratio tanks with aspect lower than one, not requiring anchorage according to 11.8. In this
case, the shear may be made with baseline taper.

In cases a) and b) the bolts must be embedded in the foundation.

8.6.4 In the shear plates design, it shall not be considered the resistance of the leveling mortar.

8.6.5 The design of the shear anchorage elements shall not contemplate rubbings between the
baseline plates and the foundation.

8.6.6 It shall not be considered the overlapping of resistance between shear plates and
anchorage bolts.

8.6.7 When boxes are left in the foundation so that anchorage bolts are installed afterwards,
the lateral box walls must have a minimum inclination of 5% in relation to the vertical, in a way
that the inferior area is greater than the superior area. The boxes must be filled with mortar not
susceptible to retraction.

45
NCh2369

8.6.8 The concrete of the foundations must be designed to resist vertical and horizontal
strengths transmitted by anchorage metallic elements. The concrete resistance and its
reinforcements must be in a way that occasional failures are produced in the metallic devices
and not in the concrete.

8.7 Horizontal bracing systems

8.7.1 The following provisions are applicable to industrial buildings and installations comprised
by steel bracing system, of the roof or floor, whose function is to transfer design seismic loads
and/or provide structural redundancy to comply with the requirements of this rule for specific
structures.

8.7.2 In floor or roof bracing systems, it shall not be permitted diagonal configurations only
working under traction, except for light steel ships regulated by the provisions contained in
11.2.

8.7.3 For floor and roof bracing systems whose function is to transfer and/or share seismic
loads controlling the design, tributary in one or more frames (bridge cranes, large suspended
equipment, etc.) to other braced or rigid frames, adjacent or extreme, it must be used the
design provisions contained in 8.7.3.1 to 8.7.3.4.

8.7.3.1 The seismic-resistant diagonals and supporting elements working under compression,
must have a width/thickness relation lower than λr , according to Table 8.1 (see Figure 8.1).

The slenderness of an element must be inferior to 1.5

8.7.3.2 The X diagonals must be connected to a crossing point. Such point may be considered
fixed in the perpendicular direction to the diagonals plan in order to determine the buckling
length of the part, when one of the diagonal is continuous.

8.7.3.3 The provisions contained in 8.7.3.1, shall not be applicable to bracings whose strength
resulting from the combination of seismic loads is inferior to one third of the strength of the
combination controlling the dimensioning.

8.7.3.4 The provisions contained in 8.7.3.1 shall not be applicable when the bracing system
design is made to strength resulting from combinations including seismic loads, in which such
last load has been amplified by 0.7 R.

8.7.4 For roof or floor bracing systems whose function is to provide structural redundancy,
according to what is required in specific structures, the following requirements shall be
complied with:

8.7.4.1 The horizontal bracing system and its connections shall be designed according to the
provisions contained in 8.1 a) or b), as the case may be.

8.7.4.2 The seismic loads to be considered for horizontal bracing systems must not be inferior
to the seismic taxation of an intermediate frame, in occasionally premature failures (see Figure
8.2).

8.7.5 The height of diagonals and punctual elements of floor or roof bracing systems must be
higher or equivalent to 1/90 of the horizontal protection of the element’s length.

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 NCh2369

Table 8.1 – Limits of the width/thickness relation

(See definitions of terms in 3.2 and in Figure 8.1)

Requests affecting the member

Profiles λ Compression Bending
λr λr λp
Double T, laminated, welded or hybrid and laminated channels
Flanges, unstiffened, laminated
b/t
profiles I and C
Flanges, unstiffened, welded,
b/t
reinforced and hybrid profiles
Webs, all ∗∗) ∗∗∗) h/tw

h/tw λr λp

Webs in compound bending, all

∗∗) ∗∗∗)

h/tw λr λp

Stiffened flanges and any other

b/t
stiffened element by a stiffener
or
capable of providing an
h/tw
effective border support
Flange stiffeners or web length
c/t
stiffeners
Web vertical stiffeners b/t NA NA
Flowerbed in compressed
b/t
flanges
T Profiles
Flanges, laminated profiles b/t
Flanges, welded profiles
b/t

Webs ∗∗) d/tw NA NA

Rectangular with uniform
thickness:

Flanges b/t

Web h/tw
(continued)

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NCh2369

Table 8.1 – Limits of the width/thickness relation (conclusion)

(See definition of terms in 3.2 and in Figure 8.1)
Requests affecting the member
Profiles λ Compression Bending
λr λr λp
Welded rectangular profiles,
with flanges with a larger
thickness than the web:
Flanges b/t

Web h/tw
Circular profiles D/t
Supporting elements formed by laminated angles
Simple angle flanges, TL
profiles with separators, XL
b/t
profiles, and unstiffened
elements in general NA NA
TL Profile flanges, with the
b/t
angles in contact NA NA
Cold folded profile
Unstiffened flanges of C or Z
b/t
profiles
Unstiffened flanges with CA,
b/t
ZA, Omega and lid profiles
Simple angle flanges, TL and
XL profiles, with or without b/t
separators NA NA
Profile webs, C, CA, Z, ZA,
h/tw
Omega and lid
Stiffening flaps c/t
λr λp

C, CA, Z, ZA, Omega and lid

profile webs, in compound h/tw
bending
λr λp

NOTE
NA: Not applicable
E = 200 000 MPa λr = limit of the width-thickness ratio in
: in MPa
order to avoid local buckling.
λp = limit of the width-thickness ratio in
however within the range 0.35 ≤ kc ≤ order to allow the complete
0.763 plasticization of the section.

48
 NCh2369

∗∗) In hybrid beams, it shall be used Fy , of the flanges.

∗∗∗) In members with unequal flanges, use hc instead of h, whenever it is compared to λ p.

49
NCh2369

Figure 8.1 – Examples for the width=thickness relation of Table 8.1

(h and b plain width according to the definitions of terms set forth in 3.2)

50
 NCh2369

Attachment B
(Normative)

Design of the column - beam connections in steel rigid frames

B.1 General provisions

The use of the provisions contained in AISC, Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings,
1999, for the design of rigid frames is subject to the following limitations:

a) For the right frames without bracing, it shall be applied the provisions contained in this rule,
without additional mandatory requirements resulting from AISC, Seismic Provisions. In
particular, it shall not be applicable the Seismic Provisions for special frames (paragraph 9)
and for intermediate frames (paragraph 10), not even required lab trials of connections
between beams and columns.

b) For concentric bracing frames, it shall be applied the provisions contained in this rule,
paragraph 8.3, without additional mandatory requirements resulting from AISC, Seismic
Provisions.

c) For off center bracing frames, it shall be applied the provisions of AISC, Seismic Provisions,
paragraph 15.

B.2 Design of the panel zone of moment connections

B.2.1 The analysis may be carried out by elastic or plastic methods.

B.2.2 Web panels must be reinforced with engaged plates or diagonal stiffeners (Figure B.1
and B.2) if the Ru request exceeds Φ Rv , in which Φ = 0.75 and Ru and Rv is determined as
follows:

in which:

Mu1 and moments of the beams in the connection due to the combinations of the loads
Mu2 : indicated in 4.5 b), in which the seismic load state of such combinations was
amplified by 2, however are not larger than the respective plastic moments;

dm1 and dm2 0.95 d1 and 0.95 d2 , in which d1 and d2 are the heights of the beams;
:

Vu : Shear strength of the column at the level of the connection due to the
combination of the loads indicated in 4.5 b), in which the seismic load state of
such combinations has been amplified by 2.

b) If Pu ≤ 0.75 Py

51
NCh2369

c) If Pu > 0.75 Py

in which:

bcf = column flange width;

tcf = column flange thickness;

dc = column profile height;

tp = total thickness of the panel zone including reinforced engaged welded plates;

db = Highest value between d1 and d2 (see Figure B.2);

Fy = yield stress;

Pu = axial strength related to the column design compression;

Py = AFy , column fluency axial strength;

A = column section area.

52
 NCh2369

a) Plates connected with groove weld

b) Double strength plates, connected with fillet or groove weld

Figure B.1 – Reinforced engaged plates

53
NCh2369

Figure B.2 – Panel Zone Strengths

54
 NCh2369

B.2.3 Continuity stiffeners must also be placed in panel zones (Figure B.2) dimensioned to
resist the strengths transmitted by flanges of the column beams.

B.2.4 The engaged plates must be connected to the column flange with complete penetration
grave welds or fillet welds, calculated to resist the shear design strengths. Whenever located
together with the column web, they must be welded to it in the superior and inferior borders. If
they are separated, they must be symmetrically placed and welded to the continuity stiffeners.

B.2.5 The column web thickness or each engaged plates must satisfy the following relation:

in which:

t = thickness of the web or of each plates;

d2 = height of the panel zone between the continuity stiffeners;

w2 = width of the panel zone between the column flanges.

B.2.6 The connectors welded in land between the flanges of the beams and the column must
be under complete penetration groove welds, carried out horizontally on reinforced plates, with
ultrasonic or radiographic non-destructive inspections.

B.2.7 It shall be removed the reinforced plates and welding incitation and termination sections.
After the plates are removed, the metal shall be cleaned and the fillet welding root reinforced.

B.3 Local bending of the column flange due to a traction strength perpendicular to it

B.3.1 The continuity stiffeners must be designed for a Ru −Φ Rn strength, in which:

Ru = traction strength perpendicular to the column flange, corresponding to the Mu moment

of the beam defined in B.2.2;

Φ = 0.90 ;

Rn = 6.25 t2f Fyf .

being:

Fyf = yield stress of the flange, MPa;

tf = thickness of the loaded flange of the column, mm.

B.3.2 If the beam flange width is inferior to 0.15 b, being b the total column flange width, it is
not necessary to verify the above.

B.3.3 If the concentrated Ru strength is applied to a distance shorter than 10 tf of the column
end, the prior Rn resistance shall be reduced to half.

55
NCh2369

B.3.4 The continuity stiffeners must be welded to the web and loaded flange, in a way to
transmit to the web the proportion of the load taken by the stiffeners1).

B.4 Local web fluency by compression strengths perpendicular to the flange

B.4.1 Dimensioned stiffeners must be placed for a Ru −Φ Rn strength, in which:

Ru = compression strength perpendicular to the column's flange (see Figure B.3),

corresponding to the Mu moment of the beam defined in B.2.2;

Φ = 1.0.

and Rn is determined as follows:

a) If the concentrated strength Ru is applied at a distance from the columns end superior to its
height “ d ”

b) If the concentrated strength Ru is applied to a distance shorter or equivalent to “ d “ of the

column’s end:

in which:

Fyw = Minimum specified fluency tension of the web, MPa;

N = thickness of the beam flange compressing the column's web, or related to the
plated connecting the beam flanges, mm. If N < k taken as N = k ;

k = distance from the external face of the flange until the weld fillet foot in the web,
mm; tw = column web thickness, mm.

tw = column’s web thickness, mm.

B.4.2 The continuity stiffeners must be welded to the loaded flange to transmit the proportion of
the load corresponding to the stiffener, and its web welding dimensioned to transmit the
proportion of the load taken by the stiffeners (see B.7).

B.4.3 Alternatively, if reinforcement engaged plates are required, the provisions contained in
B.8. shall be applicable.

1) The expression proportion of the load taken by the stiffeners refers to the difference between the load
applied and the resistance indicated in this provision and the following ones for the column webs. So,
for example, if Ru is the increased load transmitted by the beam flange to the column and Φ Rn,min,, is
the lower resistance indicated in clauses B.3 to B.6, the column stiffener must be designed for Rn,st =
Ru −Φ Rn, min , and the minimum stiffener area required is Ast = Rn,st /Φ Fy,st , with Φ = 0.9 . In B.7,
additional instructions are for the design of the stiffeners. This note is also applicable for B.3, B.5 and
B.6.

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 NCh2369

Figure B.3

B.5 Crushing of the web by a compression strength perpendicular to the flange

B.5.1 Continuity stiffeners must be placed and, occasionally, reinforcement engaged plates,
dimensioned for a Ru −Φ Rn strength, in which:

Ru = compression strength perpendicular to the flange of the column,

corresponding to the Mu moment of the beam defined in B.2.2;

Φ = 0.75.

and Rn is determined as follows:

a) If the concentrated compression is applied to a distance superior or equal to d/2 from the
column’s end:

b) If the concentrated compression is applied to a distance inferior to d/2, from the column’s
end:

For N/d ≤ 0.2

For N/d > 0.2

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NCh2369

In expressions (B.7), (B.8) and (B.9) the following definitions shall be applied:

N = thickness of the beam flange or of the plates connecting the flange to

the beam;

d = total height of the column’s profile;

tf = column flange thickness;

tw = thickness of the column’s web, or sum of the thickness of the web and
reinforcement engaged plates.

B.5.2 The continuity stiffeners must be welded to the loaded flange and its web welding must
be calculated in order to transmit the proportion of the load taken by stiffeners (see B.7 and
B.8).

B.6 Web compression buckling

B.6.1 This section refers to a pair of contrary concentrated strengths, applied to the two flanges
in the same section (see Figure B.4). Continuity stiffeners and reinforcement engaged plates
must be placed in all length of the web, dimensioned for a Ru −ΦRn strength, in which:

Ru = Compression strength in the flange of the column;

Φ = 0.90.

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 NCh2369

Figure B.4

B.6.2 If the pair of concentrated strengths that must be resisted is applied to a distance inferior
to d/2 of the end of the member, Rn must be reduced in 50%. The transversal stiffeners must be
welded to the loaded flanges and to the web, in a way to transmit the proportion of the load
taken by the stiffeners. The welding of the stiffeners to the web must be capable of transmitting
to load taken by them (see B.7). Alternatively, when engaged plates are required, the
provisions contained in B.8. shall be applicable.

B.7 Additional requirements for continuity stiffeners

B.7.1 Diagonal or transversal stiffeners must further comply with the following criteria:

a) The width of each stiffener plus half of the column web thickness must not be inferior to one
third of the column flange width or width of the moment connection plates delivering the
concentrated strength.

b) The stiffener thickness must not be inferior to the flange thickness or thickness of the
moment connection plates delivering the concentrated load; nor inferior to its width
multiplied by ( Fy in MPa).

B.7.2 The continuity stiffeners resistant to compression strengths applied to the columns flange
must be verified as axially compressed columns, with an effective buckling length of 0.75 h and
a compound section of: 2 stiffeners and one fraction of the web, of 25 tw of width for internal
stiffeners and of 12 tw for extreme stiffeners.

B.8 Additional requirements for reinforcement plates

The reinforcement plates engaged to the web must comply with the additional requirements, as
follows:

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NCh2369

a) The thickness and the size of the reinforcement plates must provide the necessary material
to make it equal or exceed the resistance requirements.

b) The plates must be welded to exceed the proportion of the total strength transmitted to it.

c) Reinforcement engaged plates in panel zones of seismic-resistance frames must be welded

to the column flanges using complete penetration groove welding or fillet welding, capable of
developing the total shear resistance of the engaged plates. When the engaged plates are
placed in contact with the column’s web, its superior and inferior borders must be welded in
a way that such welding is capable of taking the proportion of the total strength transmitted
to them. When the engaged plates are installed separately from the column’s web, it must
be made available in pairs, symmetric in relation to the web and must be welded to the
continuity stiffeners in the column’s web, with welding capable of transmitting the proportion
of the total strength corresponding to each one of them.

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Attachment C
(Bulletin)

Comments
(Each number relates to its corresponding in the rule)

C.1 Scope

C.1.1 The purposes for establishing a special seismic rule for industrial structures,
complementary to the building rules are as follows:

a) Industrial structures do not have always the characteristics of buildings: a discreet, almost
uniform division of mass in height, rigid horizontal diaphragms in several levels, relatively
reduced extravagance and absorption of the order of 5%.

b) The basic philosophy of the design is distinct, due to the importance yielded by the industry
to the countries’ economy. Therefore, it is necessary to aggregate the basic objectives of the
Building Rules (NCh433, paragraph 5.1), the reduction of the shutdown time to a minimum
and the facilities to execute quick inspections and repairs.

c) A very important part of the industrial structures is the seismic resistant components of the
process equipment, often complex and large, necessarily designed by manufactures abroad.
This introduces a factor that does not exist in buildings.

d) Industrialized countries have recognized gradually the need for special rules for industries,
mainly the USA, Russia, New Zealand and Japan. In Chile, even though there are no set
rules, there has been a trend to implement, since 1940, a uniform and efficient practice of
design. The rule herein is based mainly in the Chilean practice (1, 2), in the building code
(3), in the north American Uniform Building Code UBC (4) and the Structural Engineers
Association of California SEAOC (5), in addition to the recommendations of New Zealand for
the oil industry (6).

C.1.2 The rule applies to the structures and the equipment within the industries, whose purpose
is to produce the elements, or to meet the goals for which the facility was built. Thus, it does
not apply to the above-mentioned elements, generally external, and subject to special rules.

NOTE – The references are in between parenthesis and summarized at the end of the comment.

C.1.3 In spite of said differences between this rule and the NCh433 there are several common
elements in the design of buildings and industrial structures, in regards to seismic aspects, in
relation to other rules, analysis methods and similar. Thus, it is necessary that the rules
complement each other.

C.2 References

Include all the references, both national and foreign, mentioned in the rule.

C.3 Terminology and Symbols

C.3.1 Terminology

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The additional rule for industrial structure and equipment complements the NCh433, paragraph
3.1. The Country's customary design practices found the division of loads into permanent and
several classes of live load.

The definition of Specialist Professional, responsible for the design of the seism resistance of
the industrial equipment, as well as the certification, considering the legal requirement and the
customary practices of the products made in Chile and abroad, is added.

In addition, the definitions of process engineers within the sense employed by the rule are
added.

C.3.2 Symbols

The additional symbols, mentioned in the rule, complement the NCh433, paragraph 3.2

C.4 General Application Provisions

C.4.1 Principles and Basic Hypothesis

C.4.1.1 The stated principles, with small variations, are common to the practices in Chile, in
New Zealand, and in the USA (3 to 7). The NCh433, paragraph 5.1.1., complements them.

C.4.1.2 The practice in Chile and in New Zealand, as well as in the USA, in the NCh433,
paragraph 5.2, specifies the elastic analyses as the basic method.

C.4.1.3 Ductility and redundancy conditions, also, are common to the practices in Chile, New
Zealand and to the above-mentioned USA rules.

C.4.1.5 It is indispensable that the process engineers and the specialist professionals agreed in
regards to the general criteria and the details of the seism resistant design. A summary of the
agreement in a special form, as further indicated, including the specifications of the project is
suggested.

Structure Coefficient
Reference
Category I Analyses R ξ% Notes
No. Title Pls.
*)
C1 AC-502
201 Carbon chutes Dynamic 3 3
1.2 515
C2 BL-016
202 Operation Platform Dynamic 4 3
1.0 017
Design in
accordance
C1 BL-023 with the
203 Chimney Special - -
1.2 028 ASCE-75
Steel chimney
liners
Provisional C3 AC 21001
204 Static 5 5
Building 0.8 211
*) See 4.3.1 and 4.3.2.

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 NCh2369

C.4.1.6 Seismic accelerations produced in special instances are named topographic

amplification, and Geotechnical Engineers should analyze them, in between valleys and
neighborhood hills (as noted in Viña del Mar during the March 1985 earthquake).

C.4.2 Ways to specify the seismic action

This rule’s provisions are based on the seismic design with a chance of a 10 % excess during a
50 years exposure. The 10% criterion for a minimum exposure time of 50 years is adopted by
the USA UBC, the SEAOC, and the Chilean NCh433. The 50 years period corresponds to the
lifespan of the majority of the buildings and industries. Nonetheless, there are industries, mainly
the oil and mining in which as a result of technological obsolescence, the depletion of the raw
material, lifespan is smaller. The New Zealand rules of the oil industry are based on a 15%
excess and 25 years (6). In accordance with the same rules (6, Table 2.1 and Figure C.2.1), a
50 to 30 years reduction, with a 10% excess, reduces the soil’s seismic strength in 12%.
Therefore, the Chilean rule has maintained 50 years for industries.

a) For the maximum effective seismic acceleration A0 the following definition, initially proposed
by the Applied Technology Council ATC, of the USA. (7) and adopted by the SEAOC and
UBC (4 and 5):

Where Sa is the average acceleration of the elastic spectrum, with 5% of absorption in the
periods of 0.1 s and 0.5 s.

b) The rules are from the UBC and SEAOC (4 and 5).

c) The all Chilean shore, in the high intensity Seismic Zone 3, is subjected to seaquakes, which
have reached, historically, the grade 3 of the Imamura scale, and some cases of maximum
grade 4 (8). The more risky areas are Tarapacá, Atacama, Concepción, and Valdivia. The
risk of a seaquake is contingent upon, in addition to the seismic aspects, the maritime and
topographic conditions of the shore.

C.4.3 Classification of structures and equipment in accordance with their importance

C.4.3.1 The Chilean practice founds the classification corresponding, in general terms, to the
recommendations of New Zealand (6).

C.4.3.2 The importance coefficients are based on the Chilean practice and in the history of the
UBC, SEAOC and the recommendations of New Zealand, as follows:

C3
Categories C1 Critical C2 Regular
Secondary

Industrial Chilean practice 1.2 a 1.3 1.0 1.00

Buildings NCh433 1.20 1.0 0.60
UBC and SEAOC 1.25 1.0 1.00
New Zealand 1.30 1.0 0.83

C.4.4 Coordination with other rules

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NCh2369

C.4.4.1 The rule NCh433, paragraph 5.3, relates to the Chilean rules of load and materials.

C.4.4.2 However, in the industrial design it is necessary to use a significant amount of materials
and load, which are not standardized in this Country, therefore, the use international
recognized rules is authorized. The following are regularly used in Chile:

 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials AASHTO for bridges.

 American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASME for boilers and pressure recipients.

 American National Rules Institute ANSI/ASME for pipes.

 American Petroleum Institute API oil tanks.

 American Society for Testing Materials ASTM for materials.

 American Welding Society for welding.

 German DIN, British BS, French NF, Japanese JIS rules, or European Community rules.

C.4.5 Loads combinations

The criteria for the combination of loads are those recommended by the American National
Standards Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers ANSI-ASCE (9), adopted, also,
by the American Institute of Steel Construction AISC (10, 11) and the American Concrete
Institute ACI (12).

In this paragraph the loads of wind and the overloads of snow are not included, and they ought
to be considered based on the design specifications in each above-mentioned case. In general,
the loads of the wind might be considered as replacing the seismic in the formulas, and not
coinciding with them. The snow might be deemed as an overload, which might be regular or
eventual.

The factor b = 1.4 for the concrete structures or the equipment was established taking into
account the load factor established in NCh433 of 1996 and the load and resistance factors of
the code ACI 318-99, thus, it is proper to use the factor b = 1,4 together with the resistance
reduction factors indicated in said edition of the ACI 318.

The code ACI 318, in its 2002 edition adopts the load factors established by the ASCE, which
considers a factor of 1.0 for the amplification of the seismic request and change the resistance
reduction factors used in the previous editions of the ACI 318 to maintain the respective levels
of safety in the design. The load and resistance factors used, until the 1999 edition, are in an
attachment of the ACI 318-02, as an alternative procedure.

C.4.6 Project and review of the seismic design

C.4.6.1 In accordance with the Chilean Law, all the designs of constructions throughout the
Country must be executed by legally authorized professionals. In addition, the legislation
compels the review of the structural design of buildings of any nature. These provisions are
complemented as follows:

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 adding the requirement of structural specialization to the specialist professional;

 allowing the design of equipment by foreign manufacturers as a practical need. In this

instance, for important equipment, such as boilers, and processes and similar high
recipients, the provision of consulting to the manufacturer by specialist professionals
registered in Chile is recommended.

C.4.6.2 The authorization of the design by other professionals is an indispensable requirement

in the majority of the Codes and Regulations in the world (13). In the rule, there is a
recommendation for the approval of peers, which must be specialized professionals registered
in Chile. This requirement is especially important for the equipment designed outside the
Country.

C.4.6.3 The presentation of plans and calculation diaries of the NCh433, paragraph 5.11, was
simplified for the majority of the equipment and smaller structures in the industries, in which the
seismic factor is determinant.

C.5 Seismic Analysis

C.5.1 General Provisions

C.5.1.1 Direction of the seismic request

The use of horizontal request in the perpendicular directions is sanctioned by practice in all
seismic rules.

The criteria for the application of the vertical seism are based in the Chilean practice (1), the
recommendations from New Zealand (6), the NCh433, paragraph 5.8.2, and the American
rules (3 and 4). The vertical accelerations of 2/3 of the verticals are prescribed in the above-
mentioned rules, and based on the actual seism.

C.5.1.3 Seismic mass for the structural model

The seismic design is an event introduced once or twice during the lifespan of the industry and
lasts a few minutes, maximum. To elect the probable overload during this moment, it is
necessary to know, very well, the operational needs of the industry. It is recommended that the
seismic overload be determined jointly with the operators, or the process engineers and the
specialist professional, and that it be recorded in the plans and the calculation diaries.

C.5.2 Methods of Analysis

C.5.2.1 General Provisions

The majority of the seismic rules, including the NCh433, American and New Zealand are based
on the elastic response spectrum of accelerations with 5% of absorption, a value that is
representative for buildings. The industrial structures, however, have of 2%, a value based on
the Chilean practice. The 2% absorption was recommended by J.A. Blume and other
researchers following extensive investigations in the Steel Huachipato Facility after the
earthquakes in the South of Chile, in May of 1960 (14).

C.5.2.2 Linear Methods

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NCh2369

a) Static Analysis: The Static Analysis is a theoretically approximated method applicable to

mathematical structural models with discreet masses uniformly distributed in height and
rigidity, similar among the different levels. The rule l NCh433, paragraph 6.2.1, UBC and
SEAOC have criteria to determine the limitations for the application of the Static Analysis to
buildings, which are not applicable to the industrial structure. The recommendations from
New Zealand limit the Static Analysis to structures in which the mass and the rigidity in any
level have differences that are lower than 30% in relation to adjacent levels.

It is not recommended to apply the method to buildings, or to structures with a height higher
than 20 m, to industrial steel buildings with more than 6 levels of height, or to structures with
and irregular configuration of floors or elevation.

b) Modal Spectral or Dynamic Analysis: The Dynamic Analysis applies to structures in which
the basic lineal response, the ductile behavior, and the viscous absorption hypothesis are
valid.

The Dynamic Analysis is applicable in all the instances where the static is not applicable,
particularly in the following instances: buildings and structures that bear heavy suspended
equipment, steel or concrete chimneys, with refractory lining and process recipients over 20
m high, or with a height/transversal dimension proportion higher than 5.

C.5.2.3 Non-Linear Methods

The Non-Linear analysis applies to structures with important variations related to the basic
hypothesis. Typical examples are the large rolling equipment subject to hoisting, or impact in
the support, the industrial masonry, which do not admit traction, the structures with basal
insulation and similar. The rules are based on the UBC (4) and IBC (15).

It is recommended that in the specifications of the industrial projects the specialist professional
indicates the method of analysis of each equipment structure (verify C.4.1.5).

C.5.3 Static elastic analysis

C.5.3.1 Structure Mathematical Model

C.5.3.1.3 In the tridimensional models, each node has 6 freedom grades, three displacements
and 3 rotations. The assignment of discreet masses to the nodes is effected, partially,
automatically, by the analysis programs, which assign half of the mass corresponding to the
weight of the members, or elements that concur to the node to each; and partially per criteria of
the designer, who assigns to some, or to all the model’s nodes, the masses representing the
external loads, or the equipment supported by the structure. The grades of freedom of each
node, thus, associate to the inert characteristics of the mass assigned to them. Usually, the
effects of the inertia to the rotation of the masses of the structural members are depreciated
upon the establishing of the inert characteristics in them, only considering their displacement
inertia in the three directions of space. The global effect of the rotational inertia of the set of
masses is, otherwise, well represented by the spatial distribution of the total mass in a large
amount of nodes. When the assignment of masses made by the designer, in some manner,
represents the dynamic behavior of the body that poses the inertia to the rotation that cannot
be depreciated, we must assign to this mass the rotational inertia corresponding to the body
represented. Alternatively, the representation of that body can be effected by a set of masses
with characteristics that are of pure displacement, distributed and linked so the response of the

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set reflects the inert characteristics of the body represented. All the tridimensional analysis
programs request that the designer specifies the inertial characteristics, both of displacement
and rotational, of the masses incorporated in the model.

C.5.3.1.4 When the structure has rigid diaphragms, the masses corresponding to all the nodes
linked by the rigid diaphragm, and their inertial characteristics, might be gathered in the center
of the mass, and represented by one sole resulting mass, with a displacement inertia in all the
directions of the plane of the diaphragm, and with a rotational inertia in the same plane,
corresponding to the distribution of the masses in the diaphragm. With this gathering, the
analysis is quit easier. Nonetheless, the diaphragm usually has a reduced rigidity in the
perpendicular direction of its plane, as the effects of the vertical seism are not well represented
with the previous simplification; in this instance, the vertical seism must be deemed as an
independent load. Alternatively, we can use the regular distribution of masses for tridimensional
analysis and use the option of the link and the interdependency of the freedom grades of the
diaphragm nodes (constraint) for the displacements inside the diaphragm plane; with this
option, it can be reduce in computer terminals and effect the simultaneous analysis off the
horizontal and vertical seism.

C.5.3.1.5 When the equipment supported by a structure has rigidity characteristics, or inertial,
that might determine, locally or globally, the structure response, it is necessary to include
elements in the model that might represent the equipment, linked to the structure, in the way
the equipment will be and bearing rigidity and mass characteristics that correspond to those of
the actual equipment. It is the case, for instance, of large ducts fixed to the levels of the
structure, or the large recipients that rest on several marks or levels of the structure. Likewise,
when we wish to capture the response of a certain equipment supported by the structure, even
if its displacement and rotational inertia are small in comparison with those of the level
determined, we must include the elements and the mass that represent the equipment in the
model, linked to the structure in the same fashion as the equipment.

C.5.3.2 Horizontal basal cut effort

The formula (5-1) coincides with the formula in the NCh433 (6-1) and has the same format of
the UBC and SEAOC.

C.5.3.3 Horizontal seismic coefficient

The Chilean practice for industrial seismic design is based on the empiric spectrum of the
elastic response, proposed by J.A. Blume in 1963 (14), following the analysis of 16 structures
of the Steel Facility of Huachipato. The structures were, in general, steel chimneys, tanks of
inverted pendulum and process recipients. Seven structures were not damaged by the
earthquake of May of 1960 and the remaining 9 had simple defects, such as the stretching of
the bolts of the anchor and displacement of the mantle. In the Figure C.1 the spectrum of
Blume is displayed, in accordance with the author, it is reliable in the range of periods from 0.6
to 1.1 s, and has absorption of the order of from 1% to 2%.

Based on Blume’s researches ad his vast professional experience, the Professor Rodrigo
Flores Alvarez proposed the following seismic coefficients (16):

to

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NCh2369

to

The rule NCh433 (3) is based on the analysis of a significant number of records of sub-duct
earthquakes recorded in Japan and one earthquake in Chile on March 3 of 1985 (17). The
response spectrum proposed by the NCh433, with 5% absorption is as follows:

(formula 6-1, NCh433)

(formula 6-2, NCh433)

in which T’ and n are parameters that are contingent upon the type of soil.

With this, we propose the format of the formula (6-2) with a coefficient allowing the
consideration of distinct absorption zones of 5%:

Figure C.1 shows the spectrum before the Huachipato Facility, Zone 3 ad the type II soils of the
Table 4.2 of the NCh433. In addition, the empiric spectrum of Blume and the rules of UBC 93
and SEAOC 92.

We note the coincidence is satisfactory.

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 NCh2369

Figure C.1 – Response spectra for Huachipato

(Zone 3 A0 =0,4g Soil II I=10)

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NCh2369

Parameters of Soil

The classification of the parameters of the soil in the Tables 5.3 and 5.4 originated from the
NCh433, Tables 4.2 and 6.3.

Absorption values and coefficient R

The absorption and the structural coefficient R displayed in the Tables 5.5 and 5.6 originated
from a study of several actual cases of structures in all types of soils and in seismic zones
submitted to large earthquakes in 1960 and 1985, in addition to comparative analysis with the
rules UBC and SEAOC.

In the Figure C.2 there is the comparison of the design spectra of R. Flores (RFA) with this rule
for R = 2 and R = 3 and soil II. We can observe that the standard, considering the minimum
value, is safe and proper.

C.5.3.3.1 and C.5.3.3.2 Limit values of the seismic coefficient

Following are the maximum and the minimum values of the seismic coefficient of several rules
and of the Chilean practice, for I = 1:

Maximum Minimum Reference

Chilean practice, Industries, Zone 3 - soil II 0.35 g 0.10 g

NCh433 Buildings, Zone 3 0.24 g 0.067 g 3
UBC-SEAOC, Industries Zone 4 0.367 g 0.20 g 4. 5

UBC-SEAOC, Buildings,, Zone 4 0.275 g 0.075 g 4. 5

NCh2369, Zone 3 - soil II, R = 3, ξ = 0,03 0.34 g 0.10 g

The values for the Chilean practice are within the range of the other rules and were proven
effective with 5 major earthquakes, of magnitude between 7.5 and 9.5 from 1960 to 1985.

C.5.3.5 Distribution in height

The proposed formulas are from the NCh433 (3), formulas (6-4) and (6-5).

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Figure C.1 – Response spectra for Huachipato

(Zone 3 A0 =0.4g Soil II I=1.0)

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NCh2369

C.5.4 Dynamic elastic analysis

C.5.4.2 Design spectrum

See C.5.3.3.

C.5.4.3 Number of modes

The condition to effect modes to obtain 90% of the total mass is in the NCh433, UBC, and
SEAOC and in the recommendations from New Zealand (3, 4, 5, and 6).

C.5.4.4 Modal overlapping

The complete quadratic overlapping and the proposed formulas were obtained from the
NCh433, paragraph 6.3.6.2.

C.5.4.5 Minimum basal cut effort

See C.5.3.3.2.

C.5.4.6 Torsion in the plant

The recommendations are based on the Chilean practice.

C.5.5 Vertical Seismic Action

The justification to consider the vertical seismic action is in the C.5.1.1. The provisions apply to
the structural provisions described in the 5.1.1 a), b), c), d) and e), in which the vertical forces
have special importance and have caused damage in earthquakes.

C.5.6 Robust and rigid equipment resting on the soil

This equipment in general is abundant in industrial facilities. The provision is based in the 1997
SEAOC and UBC recommendations.

C.5.8 Special analysis

The special analyses apply to the instances in which the basic hypotheses of the linear
analyses described in the item 5.2.2 are not met.

The rule distinguishes the basic, the spectrum, and the time-history procedures.

The spectrum analysis is based on the preparation of spectra that include the non-linearity of
the structural response, considering the maximum values of the seismic factors in the location
and the type of soil.

The time-history analysis is based on a systematic analysis of the structural response for a
minimum of three historical records or one synthetic record. The provisions are based in
studies conducted in the Country, considering the rules from the UBC and SEAOC of New
Zealand and of USA.

C.5.9 Structures with Insulation of heat transfer equipment

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 NCh2369

The provisions for the seismic insulation are based on the UBC 97, with minor changes.
Further information might be consulted in the reference 19.

C.6 Seismic deformations

C.6.1 Calculation of deformations

The formula (6-1), initially proposed in the ATC-3, was adopted by the UBC, SEAOC, and the
recommendations from New Zealand (4, 5, 6, 7). It is recognition of the fact that the reduction
of efforts between an elastic response spectrum and the design does not apply to the
deformations.

C.6.2 The separation s = d1 + d2, in the recommendations of New Zealand (6), is conservative
as d1 and d2, generally, does not take place in the same instant. In the Chilean practice, we

used, mainly, the expression , which is more likely, but does not have a safety
margin. The values 0.004 h and 30 mm have been regularly applied in the Country.

C.6.3 In Chilean practice, the seismic deformations were not limited for industrial constructions,
except for the instances when elements linked to the structure might be damaged, such as
pipes or ducts. The rules UBC, SEAOC have a limitation of 0.04 h/R; during the earthquakes of
May of 1960 we observed deformations of h/75 = 0.0133 h in industrial buildings with bridge
cranes (16), a value similar to the proposed formula.

C.6.4 The P-Delta effect is rarely important in industrial structures; however, it can be important
on rigid mark structures.

C.7 Secondary elements and equipment assembled on structures

C.7.1 Scope

The Clause 8 of the NCh433, based on the ATC-3 (7), mainly refers to the secondary elements
of the building. In this Clause, the basic theory was maintained, however, there were minor
changes to adjust the requirements to the industries.

C.7.2 Strengths of the seismic design

The formulas (7-1) a (7-6) and the Table 7.1 correspond to an improved version of the Clause 8
of the NCh433.

C.7.3 Strengths of the anchor design

One of the most frequent causes for seismic failures in smaller equipment is the lack, or the
insufficiency of anchors, which results of the application of the regular practices in non-seismic
areas.

In general, in the equipment, the bolts of the anchor are not sufficient and it is not necessary to
resort to special devices such as cutting iron.

C.7.4 Automatic cut system

The recommendation derives from the NCh433, paragraph 8.5.4.

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C.8 Special provisions for steel structures

C.8.1 General provisions

The special provisions are based in the Chilean experience and the recommendations of the
USA made after the earthquakes of Loma Prieta and Northridge and introduced in its rules.

The Chilean experience was proved in six major earthquakes, between 1960 and 1985, of
Richter Kanamori magnitude from 7.5 to 9.5.

The recommendations from the USA are summarized in the seismic rules and
recommendations of AISI (21) to the slim elements included in the AISC.

C.8.2 Materials

The specifications of the steel and the welding included in the USA rules (4, 5, and 15) are
aimed to avoid failure by fragile fracture. They are based in several investigations executed
following the earthquakes Loma Prieta and Northridge. In Chile, there were some failures
because of fragile fracture of high resistance and low toughness steel in bridges, non-seismic
conditions.

C.8.3 Braced Marks

The provisions for bracing are based on the Chilean experience, with some changes from the
AISC. In general, it was considered that the maximum seismic deformation or our rules is
approximately half of the one used in the USA, which reduces the risks of failure as a result of
local or inelastic deformation.

The provision 8.3.2 in regards to the use of diagonals that operate under compression and
traction originates from the Euro rules and is aimed to increase redundancy (see 4.1.3 b)].

The provision 8.3.4 on the cross point of the diagonals in X, which is not included in the USA
rules, was used, successfully in Chile on a permanent basis and was based, originally, in rules
from Austria.

Chilean practice, based on the USA (22), it is usual to establish the maximum height of the
profiles of the diagonals, 1/90 of their horizontal projection to avoid deformations as a result of
the weight that diminishes the resistance to the displacement.

C.8.4 Rigid Marks

The seismic structures based on rigid marks solely are customary in the USA; and had many
failures in the joint of the beams and the columns during the earthquakes of the Lomas Prieta
and Northridge. This is the reason for several investigations that generated severe
requirements for design included in the major seismic rules, (5, and 15) and summarized in the
recommendations of the AISC (20). In Chile there were no failure mainly due to the smaller
seismic deformation and to the employment of thick laminated profiles (Jumbo), which have a
dangerous metallographic. For these reasons, the provisions proposed are based on our
experience with few of the AISC recommendations.

In the 8.4.1 it is specified that current joints between the columns and the beams are TR, totally
rigid. The PR, partially rigid joints allowed in the USA is not accepted for two reasons: lack of

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 NCh2369

local experience and the requirements for tests and researches, which are not available in the
Country.

In the 8.4.3 and the Table 8.1 the width-thickness relations are specified, and they originated
from the recommendations of the AISC to physical efforts (10, 11, and 20) with some
corrections based on the local practice. In the 8.4.5 and the Attachment B, the provisions for
the design of the column panel in the rigid joints with the beams, are specified, based on the
non-seismic recommendations of the AISC (10) with few changes originated from the seismic.
(20). In Chile there are no panel failures known. In the 8.4.6 the provisions for the base of the
columns, detailed in the 8.6.2, are recommended and aimed to facilitate the inspection and the
repair of the bolts of the anchor after earthquakes.

C.8.5 Connections

All the provisions are based in the local practice and on the recommendations of the AISC. In
the 8.5.2 and 8.5.3 are the specifications of the design of the seismic connections so they bear
a resistance that is equal or greater than the connected elements. In the 8.5.8 are the
requirements for the execution of reliable connections, welded on the soil.

In the joint of the columns (verify 8.5.9) it is recommended to design the joint for a horizontal
strength of 5 kN located in the superior free end, during the assembly.

C.8.6 Anchors

The anchors to the foundations have failures, generally smaller, in all earthquakes, in a certain
way, they are seismic fusible.

The provisions of the 6.2, whose aim is to allow the quick inspection and repair after an
earthquake are based on local experience, which takes into account mainly the failures
observed in 1960 and avoided and subsequent earthquakes.

The use of the cutting iron, or seismic tops, indicated in the 8.6.3 and 8.6.7, as in the previous
case, is based on the failures detected on 1960 and the successful behavior following the
above-mentioned recommendations.

In the 8.6.5 the consideration to the friction between the base plate and the foundation due
mainly to the contraction of the forge of the leveling mortars is excluded. In special instances,
mainly of large equipment with several anchors, the friction, mainly of the non-contractile
mortars and the intention of the bolts, might be taken into account, being customary to consider
the intention for the fiction only.

The recommendation of the 8.6.8 to avoid the failures of the anchors due to the concrete is a
customary safety practice against the difficulties of securing reliable concrete and the
uncertainties of the theories for the calculation of its resistance. In general, it is recommended
the application for the design of the Pre-stressed Concrete Institute PCI (23).

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