What NSR-10 is
Colombia has areas of significant seismic hazard. To protect people and property, the country regulates how buildings must be designed and built. The current code is called NSR-10, the Reglamento Colombiano de Construcción Sismo Resistente. It was adopted under Law 400 of 1997 and is applied to buildings across the country, together with later amendments.
The code tells the structural engineer how to evaluate the seismic hazard of the site, how to calculate the loads, and how to design each type of structure. It also sets requirements for materials, for geotechnical studies and for the supervision of construction.
How the code is organised
NSR-10 is divided into titles, each one covering a subject. In simple terms:
| Title | Subject |
|---|---|
| A | General requirements for seismic-resistant design |
| B | Loads |
| C | Reinforced concrete |
| D | Structural masonry |
| E | Houses of one and two floors |
| F | Steel structures |
| G | Timber and guadua structures |
| H | Geotechnical studies |
| I | Technical supervision |
| J | Fire protection |
| K | Other complementary requirements |
The code is periodically updated, and municipalities may have additional rules. Confirm the current version with your design professionals.
What it means for your house
- A licensed structural engineer designs the structure. The design follows the seismic hazard of the site and the structural system chosen.
- A geotechnical study defines the foundation. The ground under your house determines the type of foundation and its cost. See buying land in Colombia.
- The design becomes part of the building permit. See building permits in Colombia.
- Construction must follow the design. Quality of materials, placement of reinforcement and concrete are the points that matter most.
- Supervision is part of the system. The code includes requirements for technical supervision of the structural work, and the level required depends on the project.
Questions to ask your design team
- Which title of NSR-10 applies to my house and why?
- What structural system are you proposing and what are its advantages for this site?
- Where is the geotechnical study, and what did it conclude?
- Who is the professional responsible for the structural design, and what is their professional registration?
- What quality control will be done on concrete and steel during construction?
- Who will supervise the construction of the structure?
What to check during construction
Some checks can only be done at a specific moment:
- Excavation and foundations against the design and the geotechnical study.
- Reinforcement before each concrete pour: sizes, spacing, splices and covers.
- Concrete: placement, curing and the results of strength tests when they are specified.
- Masonry and connections to the structure.
- Changes: any change to the structure must be approved by the responsible engineer, not decided on site.
Independent construction oversight is designed for these moments. It does not replace the structural engineer’s responsibility, but it makes sure that what is built is what was designed.
Limits of this guide
This guide is a general introduction. NSR-10 is a technical code that only licensed professionals should apply, and the details of your project must come from its designers. For the official text, consult the Ministry of Housing, City and Territory or your municipality’s planning office.