Current seismic design regulations for Costa Rica

Abstract

Some comments on the earthquake engineering development in Costa Rica are given. A description of the newly started Strong Motion Instrumentation Program is given. The description includes remarks on both free field strong motion recording stations as well as instrumented buildings. Also, a description of the current norm for determination of lateral forces due to earthquakes is given. Some comments are also offered as to the appropriateness of using high ductility ratios for certain structural systems.