Recent Developments in Geotechnical Regulations

Abstract

This article analyzes recent developments in geotechnical regulations in Colombia, emphasizing the role of geotechnical engineers in the design, review, and construction of civil engineering works. Based on a historical overview of the main regulatory developments, including the transition from the first technical guidelines to the consolidation of codes such as NSR-98 and NSR-10, the conceptual changes that have marked professional practice in the country are examined. The article discusses the relationship between geotechnical and structural regulations, as well as the influence of academic, institutional, and technical events on the progressive construction of current regulatory frameworks. From a reflective and technical perspective, the scope and limitations of regulations are highlighted, emphasizing the need to interpret codes as tools to support professional judgment, rather than as substitutes for engineering analysis. Finally, considerations are raised about the current and future challenges of geotechnical regulations, in the context of increasing complexity of works and greater demands in terms of safety, performance, and professional responsibility.