In the present paper, the 1985 mexico earthquake and its influence in the research activity in the country are analyzed. The discussion is focused in the masonry and concrete structures, the main research results and its applications in the construction specifications a commented, also it is presented the evolution of construction code in mexico related to the main earthquake events in the country. Finally the application of the actual code recommendations and specifications in the construction practice are presented, remarking the most commons deficiencies and mistakes in the actual practice, in this part the differences between formal and non formal construction are compared