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How many buildings in South America were constructed under seismic codes? A recent analysis led by Daniela González, GEM Exposure Analyst, and Vitor Silva, Head of Risk Engineering at GEM Foundation, provides an answer. The study examines the state of seismic design regulations across seven South American countries, providing crucial insights for earthquake risk reduction efforts.

Tracking Building Codes and Seismic Safety

The paper, Model of Seismic Design Regulations and Lateral Force Coefficients for Buildings in South America, published in Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, investigates the evolution of seismic design standards in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Using a methodology previously applied in Europe, the study offers a comparative analysis of how building codes have developed, the regions in which they were applied over time, and the extent to which they are applied in practice.

A simplified method was introduced to estimate the proportion of buildings constructed under four seismic code levels – no code, low code, moderate code, and high code. The approach also determines lateral force coefficients for a typical mid-rise reinforced concrete structure under each category, providing a way to connect regulation levels with structural performance.

Key Findings

The study found that about 20% of the total building stock in the region, and 55% of reinforced concrete buildings, were constructed under regulations that include some form of seismic provisions. This indicates progress but also highlights the large share of buildings that remain outside modern standards.

These results are particularly significant for improving seismic risk assessment models. By linking building practices to code levels, researchers and decision-makers can better estimate potential vulnerabilities in the built environment. The study also supports the ongoing work of the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation to improve access to information on seismic regulations and hazard design demand maps worldwide, with expansion of the study to other regions of the world expected over the next 12 months.

Progress to Date

GEM’s Global Seismic Regulation Database includes dedicated country pages that detail the current regulatory landscape in South America. For example, Chile is classified under high code, reflecting its long history of strong seismic standards, while countries such as Bolivia and Venezuela still have large portions of building stock without modern provisions. Summaries for Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru also provide a clearer picture of the differences in adoption and enforcement across the region. View GEM’s country pages here.

https://www.globalquakemodel.org/national-seismic-regulations

Implications for Risk Reduction

According to Daniela, the work has implications that go beyond the region:

The study’s methodology is designed to evolve as new data and local expertise become available. Its adaptable framework allows integration of technological advancements and updated exposure information, making it a valuable tool not only for South America but for global initiatives to strengthen earthquake resilience.

Link to the study:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10518-025-02287-7