Seismic zoning considered in the new Italian seismic code (D.M. 14-1-2008), and the pertinent definition of elastic response spectra to be used in design are critically revised and discussed, pointing out serious problems that may arise in the application of the relevant code rules and parameters. A comparison with ASCE-7 2005 United States standard is also performed. Finally, the target precision of elastic spectra resulting from such parameters is discussed, showing that a four digits computation may be misleading.
