Seismic safety measures will be enhanced in Uzbekistan

Beginning June 1, 2024, in regions with seismic activity measuring 8 or higher on the MSK-64 scale, new medical facilities exceeding 5 floors and buildings surpassing 9 floors will be designed with active seismic protection systems, such as seismic isolation and damping devices, as mandated by the Presidential Decree titled "Enhancing Building Earthquake Resistance and Improving Seismic Risk Monitoring," signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on April 17.

As per the decree, commencing July 1, 2024, the installation of automatic monitoring equipment for the load-bearing structures of buildings and structures will be obligatory for facilities classified as risk factors III-IV.

Moreover, digitization of regional accelerograms across all regions and cities of the country will be completed by July 1, 2024, alongside the establishment of their online databases.

Effective August 1, 2024, the design and construction procedures for structures classified as risk factors III-IV will rely on regional accelerogram databases depicting the seismic strength of the respective regions. Also, beginning June 1, 2024, newly constructed facilities falling under risk categories III-IV will integrate automatic blocking systems for gas and electric networks during intense seismic activity.

By July 1, 2024, a pilot project will initiate restoration efforts for existing buildings and structures with substandard technical conditions using the "strengthening through compensatory injection technology and restoring deformation to its previous state" method.

From May 1, 2024, local governments will be required to receive monthly reports on earthquake risk assessments and forecasts. Additionally, the formation of the Association of Earthquake Engineering Scientists is set to occur.