Uzbekistan plans to increase the seismic resistance of buildings and structures

In Uzbekistan, measures to increase the seismic resistance of buildings and structures have been approved, according to a government decree.

According to the information, authorities plan to implement modern approaches in seismically active zones with an intensity of 8 points and higher on the MSK-64 scale, where new buildings are planned to be constructed, to ensure their seismic safety. For this purpose, from December 1, 2025, the practice of using regional accelerograms reflecting the strength of earthquakes will be implemented in design.

Further, until October 1, 2027, it is planned to approve the types of facilities that will be subject to priority design using special seismic protection systems in zones with a seismicity of 8 points and higher according to the MSK-64 scale. For new construction projects with hazard categories III-IV, automatic monitoring devices for the load-bearing structures of buildings and structures will be installed. Also, a procedure for designing and constructing such facilities based on regional accelerograms will be introduced.

Also, the authorities approved the list of territories that are classified as seismically active zones with an intensity of 8 points and higher on the MSK-64 scale. Thus, Andijan is assessed at 9 points, as well as Tashkent, Bukhara, Namangan, Nurafshan, Fergana, Jizzakh, Navoi, Samarkand, Gulistan, Karshi — up to 8 points, Termez — 7 points.

The Ministry of Construction and other responsible bodies were instructed to design one experimental building using special seismic protection equipment by the end of 2026 with the involvement of a foreign company with relevant experience. The authorities were also instructed to ensure the participation of local specialists in the design process. They must build the experimental facility by June 2027.

In addition, from February 1, 2026, the amount of payment for obtaining a scientific conclusion on seismic resistance will be reduced by 50%, and scientific conclusions for objects of one series will be issued once on a paid basis and free of charge for subsequent similar objects. It is noted that the issuance of such conclusions will be integrated into the national information system “Shaffof qurilish” (“Transparent Construction”).

It should be noted that earlier in Uzbekistan, the practice of predicting earthquakes in the long term using artificial intelligence will be introduced. Starting January 1, 2026, permanent radar space monitoring of landslide-prone areas on the “A-373” and “M-39” highways, as well as on railways passing through mountainous areas, will be organized in the country.