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How do building codes work?
Building codes are sets of rules for designing and constructing buildings to ensure safety, health, and welfare. They cover everything from foundations to fire safety, aiming to make structures resilient to hazards like earthquakes. Stronger codes, like those in earthquake-prone Colombia, help buildings withstand seismic forces, potentially reducing casualties and damage when tremors strike.
Questions this opens up
Who writes the rules? Do all countries have them? What happens if codes are ignored?Related explainers
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