Research Trends and Gaps Relevant to the Safety and Balance of Structures Affected by Earthquakes and Floods: A Combined Literature Review and Systematic Bibliometrix Analysis

This study examines research trends and identifies key gaps relevant to the field of structural safety and resilience; additionally, a systematic literature review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA methodology was conducted, analyzing 4188 documents ranging from 1975 to 2025. The research revealed key trends, including a focus on various aspects of the structural stability and resilience of buildings affected by earthquakes through analysis of various innovative methods and materials. The present study encompasses work describing the use of steel–wood composite columns to improve building stability, assessment of the impact of wood accumulation on bridges during floods, and the effect of debris flow on the stability of check dams. In addition, this study also evaluates the seismic performance of school buildings in Mexico, a method of diagnosing cracks in concrete dams, and the application of recycled materials from old tires for seismic disaster mitigation. Acoustic emission monitoring methods in medieval towers and the design of seismic isolation systems with variable damping are also discussed. Bibliometric analysis highlighted increased collaboration and a thematic shift towards green and data-driven approaches. However, significant gaps were identified. The findings explain that the use of innovative materials and methods can improve the stability and resistance of building structures with respect to dynamic loads, such as those associated with earthquakes and floods. The findings provide guidance for the design and maintenance of safer and more sustainable infrastructure in the future.