Compliance with Existing Building Codes
- Design work must at least comply with the current National Building Code of the Philippines.
- Reference to referral codes is required, especially the National Structural Code of the Philippines, Volume I, Revised Edition 1991.
- These codes establish the technical standards and requirements for structural integrity and safety.
Use of ASEP Guide
- The Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) has published a specialized guide on earthquake-resistant design in 1991.
- This guide should be utilized as a reference by design engineers.
- The ASEP guide complements the national code by providing more focused guidance on seismic design considerations.
Special Considerations for Liquefaction-Prone Areas
- Areas susceptible to soil liquefaction require special design attention.
- Engineers are advised to explicitly consider liquefaction risks in their structural designs.
- Addressing this issue is critical to ensure foundation stability and prevent structural failures during earthquakes.
Special Considerations for Areas on High Elevations and Slopes
- Locations situated on high elevations or slopes are subject to landslides and ridge amplification phenomena.
- Design engineers must factor in these geotechnical hazards when preparing their plans.
- Ridge amplification refers to an increased seismic effect due to geological topography, which can intensify earthquake impact.
Official Adoption and Enforcement
- The advisory was officially adopted on September 5, 1991.
- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary, Jose P. De Jesus, promulgated this advisory.
- Compliance with this advisory is mandatory for relevant engineering works to ensure public safety and infrastructure resilience to earthquakes.