Nepal's revised building codes NBC 105:2020 (Seismic Design of Buildings in Nepal) and NBC 205:2024 (Ready-to-use Detailing Guideline for low rise RC Building without masonry infill) represent critical advances in seismic safety following the devastating 2015 Gorkha earthquake. This study provides the first comprehensive multi-municipal assessment of implementation barriers and socio-economic impacts across five municipalities in Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) 0.35g zones. Using mixed-method research combining surveys of 245 construction professionals, cost analysis of 30 building projects, and quality assessments, we quantify implementation challenges and their economic implications. Our findings reveal substantial technical expertise gaps, with only 31.83% of respondents demonstrating adequate code awareness. Construction costs increased by 10.98% (NPR 3,160 to NPR 3,505 per sq ft), while training quality directly correlates with compliance rates (90% for comprehensive training vs. 50% for minimal training). We recommend differentiated regulatory frameworks distinguishing residential and commercial construction requirements, coupled with targeted capacity building programs. These evidence-based insights inform policy interventions to balance seismic safety enhancement with construction sector viability in earthquake-prone developing regions.

This study examined how petroleum products (petrol, kerosene, and diesel) affect the strength of concrete made with lateritic sand and quarry dust. A 1:1½:3 mix with a 0.65 water–cement ratio and 25% lateritic sand plus 75% quarry dust was used. Thirty-nine 100 mm cubes were water-cured for 7–28 days, then immersed in petroleum products for 30–60 days. Water-cured cubes showed steady strength gains up to 15.74 N/mm² at 28 days. In contrast, exposure to petroleum products reduced strength: after 30 days, averages were 12.89 N/mm² (petrol), 11.36 N/mm² (kerosene), and 13.30 N/mm² (diesel); after 45 days, 12.78, 14.19, and 13.53 N/mm² respectively. Petrol caused the greatest deterioration, kerosene moderate, and diesel the least. Petroleum exposure disrupted cement hydration, increased porosity, and weakened the paste–aggregate bond, reducing durability. The study recommends protective coatings, improved mix designs, and strict management in fuel-contaminated environments such as filling stations and garages.