Vulnerabilidad sísmica y normativa constructiva en la Sierra de Ecuador: Una revisión sistemática de la literatura

Objective: The impact of compliance with construction regulations on the seismic vulnerability of buildings in the Sierra of Ecuador was evaluated, with an emphasis on the usefulness of the FEMA P-154 methodology due to its relevance for structural safety and risk management in high seismic threat contexts. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted by identifying, selecting, and analyzing studies published between 2021 and 2026 in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, considering research on regulatory compliance, NEC-15, seismic vulnerability, and the application of FEMA P-154 in Ecuador. Results: An inverse relationship was evidenced between regulatory compliance and seismic vulnerability; buildings adhering to seismic codes presented lower risk, while informal construction and insufficient oversight increased the likelihood of damage and collapse. Additionally, FEMA P-154 proved useful for prioritizing interventions, although its scope was limited by the lack of national methodological standardization. Conclusions: It was concluded that regulatory compliance constituted the most robust factor for reducing seismic vulnerability and strengthening structural resilience, therefore it was recommended to articulate technical oversight, structural rehabilitation, and future research on site effects and local adaptation of evaluation methodologies.