G.E Valdebenito - Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, General Lagos ۲۰۸۶, Bld. ۱۰۰۰,Valdivia, Chile
M.I Sánchez - Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, General Lagos ۲۰۸۶, Bld. ۱۰۰۰,Valdivia, Chile
c Sandoval - ETSECCPB, Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya, c/ Jordi Girona ۱ - ۳, ۰۸۰۳۴, Barcelona, España

Historical constructions represent an important legacy for all the cultures. It is obvious that an adequate structural analysis is required for effective retrofitting purposes, in which non destructive techniques are always desired for an accurate structural assessment. Recent earthquake events have shown the important vulnerability of such structures, and especially for those made of masonry. For that reason, seismic vulnerability studies are mandatory for historical buildings constructed in seismic areas. In this sense, Chile represents an interesting case of a very high seismicity country, with an important historical patrimony to protect. The present work is an up-to-date state-of-the-art review regarding the seismic vulnerability of historical constructions made of masonry, in which the case of the Chilean heritage is exposed. The discussion of the analysis results of some important buildings located in the world heritage city of Valparaíso is shown, as well as the analysis case of two masonry churches damaged by the severe Mw = 8.8 off-shore Chilean earthquake occurred on February 27, 2010. Results of this investigation suggest the urgent need of accurate seismic vulnerability studies for historical structures in Chile, in order to prevent undesirable failures or collapses.

Seismic Vulnerability, Heritage Structures, Historical Structures, Masonry Structures