Design regulations#

Definitions of the design code levels and enforcement levels are summarized in the table below.

Code level

Description

No code

Codes that followed weak seismic provisions or no provisions at all. Some codes used allowable stresses and very low material strength values and considered predominantly the gravity loads.

Low code

First generation of design regulations. These codes considered the seismic action by enforcing values of the seismic coefficient (typically called a lateral force coefficient). Structural design for these codes was typically based on material specific standards that used allowable stress design or a stress-block approach.

Moderate code

Second generation of design regulations. These codes include modern concepts of ultimate capacity and partial safety factors (limit state design) and/or with better detailing to improve global ductility. The seismic action was also accounted for in the design by enforcing values for the lateral force coefficient. It is noted that the distinction low and moderate code is often not straightforward and varying interpretations could be made by different engineers.

High code

Third generation of design regulations. These codes refer to modern seismic design principles that account for capacity design and local ductility measures.

Enforcement level

Description

A

Fully enforced (100%)

B

Mostly enforced (75%)

C

Partially enforced (50%)

D

Poorly enforced (25%)

E

Not enforced (0%)

Canada#

TODO

Mexico#

There is no national seismic code in Mexico. Being a federal state, each constituent state decides which code to follow. Normally, it is based on that of Mexico City or an adaptation of it considering the local conditions. All the codes of Mexico City are available in: https://smie.com.mx/smie-2022/informacion-tecnica/estados/reglamentos-construccion-ciudad-de-mexico.php

Low code

Moderate code

High code

Year

Regulation

Enforcement

Year

Regulation

Enforcement

Year

Regulation

Enforcement

Mexico City

1942

RCDF42, RCDF57, RCDF66, RCDF76

D

1987

RCDF+NTC 1987, RCDF+NTC 1993

C

2004

RCDF+NTC 2004, RCDF+NTC 2017

B

United States#

TODO