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The Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation has been working on the Global Seismic Regulations Database and Mapping initiative since March 2024, a collaborative effort to document and analyze seismic design regulations worldwide. With initial studies focused on South America, this activity is already providing valuable insights into how building codes influence earthquake resilience. GEM is inviting public sector organizations, academic institutions, and technical experts to contribute data and join the effort to improve seismic safety globally.

Progress to Date

GEM’s initial focus has been on understanding the history and impact of seismic design regulations in seven South American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. These efforts have revealed critical information about the evolution of building codes in these nations, the changes they introduced to structural design, and their representation in the current building stock, as reflected in the distribution of buildings across seismic code levels, ranging from lower to higher standards. The findings reveal that approximately only 20% of the total building stock - and 55% of reinforced concrete buildings - in these countries were constructed under some level of seismic design regulation.

Key Highlights:

• Chile: A regional leader in seismic code development, Chile was the first country to incorporate seismic design considerations in the 30s and has maintained robust modern regulations since the 70s, establishing itself as one of the most prepared nations in the region.

• Venezuela and Ecuador: The development of seismic codes in Venezuela has followed a trajectory similar to that of Chile, making it one of the first countries in the region to introduce seismic regulations, with Ecuador following closely behind. The transitions between low, moderate, and high code levels in both countries have been closely aligned with global advancements in seismic standards. However, compared to Chile, both countries are estimated to have lower levels of code enforcement. Notably, Ecuador has a significantly higher percentage of its building stock constructed under some level of seismic design regulation compared to Venezuela. Nevertheless, Venezuela has a larger total number of buildings than Ecuador.

• Bolivia: Bolivia was the last country in South America to introduce a mandatory seismic design code. As a result, it has the highest percentage of buildings among the analysed countries that do not comply with any seismic regulation.

• Colombia: Colombia's first mandatory seismic code was introduced after the 1980s, reflecting the design standard advancements of that era. Consequently, a significant portion of Colombia's building stock constructed after the 1980s is classified under moderate and high seismic design levels. However, due to the relatively recent introduction of its first code, a considerable percentage of the inventory consists of buildings that do not comply with the country's seismic regulations.

• Peru and Argentina: Both countries implemented their first seismic design regulations in 1970, and they exhibit similar levels of code enforcement. However, in Peru, a higher percentage of the total building stock has been constructed under some level of seismic design regulation compared to Argentina.

By linking building stock to seismic code levels - ranging from no design to high code considerations - GEM has created models that represent the percentage of buildings constructed under different standards’ levels. Structures classified as “no code” are particularly vulnerable, often lacking essential provisions to resist seismic forces. In contrast, those built under “high code” standards are designed to perform adequately during ground shaking. These models not only provide a more comprehensive input for seismic risk assessments but also serve as valuable tools for understanding the critical role of robust construction practices in saving lives, reducing economic losses, and enhancing community resilience against earthquake risks.

What’s Next

The next phase of the initiative will expand to additional regions and countries and refine existing models with more detailed data. GEM also plans to continuously update the database, also in collaboration with GEM associate partner UNESCO, to reflect new regulations, ensuring it remains a dynamic and reliable resource for engineers, urban planners, and policymakers. These efforts aim to promote safer construction practices and support the development of risk-reduction strategies worldwide.

A Call to Collaborate

This initiative highlights the importance of understanding and implementing seismic regulations as a key part of protecting communities from earthquake risks. GEM invites public sector partners, academics, and private organisations to contribute to this growing resource or explore opportunities to collaborate as sponsors or technical partners. Together, we can expand the reach of this vital work and help ensure that vulnerable communities are better prepared.

For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities, visit GEM's seismic regulations page: https://www.globalquakemodel.org/national-seismic-regulations.