What are the most common seismic design codes used in different countries?

The specific seismic codes may vary by country. Here are examples from a few Central American nations: 1. Guatemala: Guatemala has a seismic design code that considers earthquake risks, and it is often based on international standards and adapted to local conditions. 2. Costa Rica: The seismic design code in Costa Rica is influenced by international standards and tailored to the seismic hazards in the region. It aims to ensure the earthquake resilience of structures. 3. El Salvador: El Salvador also has seismic design regulations in place to address earthquake risks. These regulations are typically developed based on the country’s seismic history and international best practices.

United Kingdom ASCE 4 - Covers seismic analysis Eurocode 0 to 8 and specific BS EN 1998 - Earthquake Design for Structures but not Nuclear Safety Related e.g Nuclear Power Plants Nuclear Island EDF adopted their own AFCEN ETC-C, and UK companion document for the UK EPR sites, almost like a modified Eurocode tailored to Nuclear design. For other UK Nuclear sites - RC design and rebar detailing to commonly to ACI 349M-13 and Chapter 21 of ACI For hot rolled steelwork members/sections design to BS EN 1993–1-1 & joints to BS EN 1993-1-8 with consideration of American docs AISC 341, 360 & N690 more so for connections and the LFRS & SFRS. AISC 358 for SMF and pre qual connections Loading and load case combs to BS EN 1990 and 1991

Each nation takes into account its specific geological and structural factors when developing seismic design standards. These standards are customized to ensure that buildings and infrastructure are designed to withstand potential earthquakes, taking into account the local geology, seismic activity, and construction materials used in each country. Some of the codes: *United States: International Building Code (IBC) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7. *Japan: Building Standard Law and Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) standards. *New Zealand: New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE) guidelines. *Chile: Chilean Seismic Design Code (NCh433) and National Earthquake Resistance Standard (NSR-10) in Mexico.

While seismic requirements vary from country to country, the basis of these requirements is often older versions of US codes. The most common seismic requirements I see in the international codes have their basis in either the 1994 or 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC). What we find is that if the seismic code is based on versions of the UBC dating from 1988 or later AND the country has robust code enforcement, the performance of the structures designed and constructed to these codes is very good. If the code is not enforced, then it does not matter how well the code is written - the building performance will be poor.

Seismic design codes vary globally. Common codes include the IBC and ASCE 7 in the US, Japan's Building Standard Law, Eurocode 8 in the EU, NZSEE guidelines in New Zealand, China's GB50011-2010, and India's IS 1893 and IS 13920. These codes are tailored to regional seismic risks, ensuring structural safety during earthquakes and are regularly updated to reflect advancements in seismic engineering.

ASCE 7 is a reference standard and not a code. The code is the International Building Code (IBC). Similar to the Eurocode, the IBC allows countries and cities to adopt the code after making the necessary modifications to suit the country's practices. The international code council (ICC )is coordinating with several countries to implement customized versions of the IBC. Abu Dhabi Government adopted this code in 2013. The American standards are now the most commonly used worldwide and are subject to frequent updates. The note that ASCE 7 uses a similar approach to the Eurocode is not accurate. The use of American standards worldwide has facilitated engineers' communication and mobilization from one country to another, which is great.

IS:1893(Part 1)-2002 Indian Standards Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures: Part 1 General Provisions and Buildings" IS:13920-1993 Indian Standard Code of Practice for Ductile Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures Subjected to Seismic Forces

El Manual de la Sociedad Americana de Ingenieros Civiles 7 (ASCE 7), norma los requerimientos mínimos para análisis y diseño, tanto por acción de cargas gravitacionales y accidentales, el cual se deriva del Código Internacional de la Construcción (IBC), ambos muy avanzados y recomendables para proyectos de inversión internacional.

ACI 318: This is the Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary published by the American Concrete Institute (ACI). The code covers the minimum requirements for design and construction of reinforced concrete buildings to resist earthquake forces.

ASCE 7, a standard by the American Society of Civil Engineers, provides guidelines for minimum design loads on buildings and other structures. It covers seismic, wind, and snow loads, ensuring structural safety. ASCE 7 is crucial for architects and engineers, providing standardized criteria for load combinations. It plays a pivotal role in designing structures to withstand environmental forces, ensuring resilience and safety in diverse construction projects.

NZS 1170.5, a New Zealand standard, focuses on seismic actions affecting structural and geotechnical design. It provides criteria for earthquake loadings, ensuring structures are resilient. NZS 1170.5 incorporates seismic hazard assessment, ground motion, and response spectrum analysis. This standard is essential for engineers, offering guidelines to mitigate earthquake risks. It plays a vital role in designing structures that can withstand seismic forces, contributing to the safety and stability of buildings in New Zealand.

NZS 4129 sets out criteria for Seismic Performances of Engineering Systems in relation to a building's function; covers design, construction and installation of restraints for such engineered systems. To be noted that some specific applications (e.g. Sprinkler Pipes) are excluded from this standard as already covered in other specific New Zealand standard (e.g. NZS4541 for Sprinkler Pipes).

Countries within the Pacific Ring of Fire, have their own seismic design codes. Here are examples from a few countries: 1. The seismic design requirements in the U.S. are outlined in the International Building Code (IBC) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7 standard. 2. Japan has its seismic design codes provided by the Building Standard Law and the Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) standards. 3. In Chile, the Chilean seismic design code is governed by the National Standards Institution (INN) and considers seismic zones and specific ground characteristics. 4. New Zealand uses the New Zealand Building Code, which incorporates seismic design requirements based on the earthquake-prone nature of the region.

GB 50011 is a Chinese standard governing seismic design of buildings. It outlines criteria for seismic zoning, ground motion parameters, and structural design. This standard, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, is crucial for architects and engineers in earthquake-prone regions. GB 50011 ensures structures are resilient, providing guidelines for seismic loadings. It plays a pivotal role in enhancing the seismic performance of buildings in China, contributing to overall safety and structural integrity.

IS 1893 is an Indian standard for earthquake-resistant design and construction. It provides guidelines for seismic zoning, ground acceleration values, and design forces. Essential for architects and engineers in India, IS 1893 ensures structures can withstand seismic forces. The code incorporates different seismic zones, considering regional variations in earthquake risk. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the seismic resilience of buildings, contributing to safety and structural integrity across the country.

After observing Indian earthquakes for several years, BIS has divided the country into five zones depending upon the severity of earthquake. IS 1893 (Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures), IS 4326 (Code of Practice for Earthquake Design Resistant Design and Construction of Buildings), IS 13827 (Improving Earthquake Resistance of Earthen Buildings), IS 13828 (Improving Earthquake Design of Low Strength Masonry Buildings), IS 13920 (Code of Practice for Ductile Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures Subjected to Seismic Forces), and IS 13935 (Seismic Evaluation, Repair and Strengthening of Masonry Buildings – Guidelines) are the set of Indian Standard codes for earthquake resistant building designing.

Generally speaking, Earthquake requirements in building codes vary globally based on the seismic activity of a region. High seismic areas, such as the Pacific Ring of Fire, have more stringent regulations. These codes typically specify design criteria for structures, including materials, foundation design, and structural elements, to ensure buildings can withstand seismic forces. Common international seismic design codes include the International Building Code (IBC), Eurocode, and various national standards. Engineers and architects in earthquake-prone regions adhere to these codes to enhance the seismic resilience of structures.