Current Building Codes of Chile
Chile Seismic Building Code NCh433 Of.96 Mod.2009 Article NCh433 Of.96 Mod.2009 of the Chilean Building Code sets mandatory seismic-resistant design standards for all structures in Chile, focusing on earthquake safety due to the country’s high seismic activity. This code was last modified in 2009 to incorporate lessons from significant earthquakes, ensuring buildings can withstand considerable seismic forces.
Chile Structural Design Code NCh3171 Of.2010 NCh3171 Of.2010 establishes general requirements for structural design and calculation. This standard complements seismic design codes by specifying guidelines on loads and forces for structural integrity in various construction materials.
General Urbanism and Constructions Law (LGUC) This law provides comprehensive guidelines for urban development and construction in Chile, covering safety measures, zoning laws, and building permits, ensuring a structured approach to urban planning and construction safety.
Chile Structural Masonry Code NCh1156 Of.2001 (Mod.2011) NCh1156 Of.2001, modified in 2011, outlines standards for structural masonry, focusing on materials and construction techniques to enhance the seismic resilience of masonry buildings.
Chile Reinforced Concrete Code NCh1498 Of.2003 NCh1498 Of.2003 defines criteria for designing and calculating reinforced concrete structures, crucial for ensuring seismic resistance in Chile’s construction practices.
Chile Wood Construction Code NCh2123 Of.2017 NCh2123 Of.2017 provides guidelines for the design and calculation of wood constructions, reflecting advances in wood technology and its increasing use in building projects across Chile.
Chile Residential Energy Efficiency Standard Article 4.1.10 Article 4.1.10 of Ordenanza General de Urbanismo y Construcciones (General Ordinance of Urbanism and Construction) establishes mandatory standards for residential building envelopes with respect to energy efficiency. This is the primary required energy efficiency standard in Chile, adopted by Chile’s Ministry of Housing.
Chile Fire Safety Code Decree 58 (DS 58) Decree 58 (DS 58) sets technical requirements for fire safety measures in buildings, ensuring structures are equipped to manage and mitigate fire risks effectively.
Helpful Links
From Good to Great: The Next Step in Chilean Energy Efficiency March 2014
Taking Initiative on Energy Efficiency: Chile
Ministerio de Vivienda y Urbanismo (Ministry of Housing and Urban Development)
Ministerio de Energia (Ministry of Energy)
National Climate Change Action Plan 2008-2012
This paper sets greenhouse gas emissions goals for the period of 2008 to 2012.
History
According to Chile, their residential code was the first building energy code in South America. The code only addresses building envelope elements. Along with other specific recommendations, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) recommended that Chile establish a commercial building energy code and that they update their codes on a three- or five-year cycle, as other countries have done. LBNL also suggested that the minister of energy create an energy efficiency data and monitoring team within an appropriate agency.
Other International Code Status Pages
Cosimina has been a member of BCAP for over a decade, actively contributing to the organization’s nationally acclaimed initiatives aimed at assisting states and local authorities in the establishment and enforcement of robust and efficient building energy codes. Her involvement spans across advocacy, technical guidance, outreach programs, and the formation of strategic coalitions.