Civil Engineers Warn of Technical Errors in Construction

Civil Engineers Warn of Technical Errors Turkey was shaken by a devastating earthquake affecting 10 provinces on the night of 5 February into 6 February. The situation became even more dramatic with a second earthquake occurring 9 hours later. The earthquake, which affected 13.5 million people across 10 provinces and covered an area of approximately one thousand square kilometers, caused difficult-to-remedy injuries. CMD Mühendislik Board Chairman, Civil Engineer Cemal Doğan, evaluated structures damaged in the earthquake and emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from this disaster and taking necessary precautions through steps guided by scientific data. CMD Mühendislik Board Chairman, Civil Engineer Doğan, examined the structures affected by the earthquake from the perspective of geotechnical and structural engineering. Doğan noted that soil and structure are two interconnected factors, stating: "In engineering techniques, there are structural methods recommended according to any type of soil and earthquake intensity. Soil measurements are the most important data we have for developing structural techniques. For example, as we saw in recent earthquakes, a building separated from its foundation and lay on its side, yet the load-bearing structural elements did not suffer intensive damage. Although it is difficult to comment based solely on the photograph we examined, we can say that there was weakness in the soil in that area and the connection between soil and building was not properly established. This is precisely why, in earthquake-prone countries like ours, the evaluation of new technologies during building construction processes is essential," he said.

Seismic Isolators—An Important Solution Model Reducing Damage Risk

Doğan emphasized that seismic isolators used in new buildings are an important solution model that reduces damage risk, stating: "The isolator reduces the load created by earthquake effects on the building and prevents potential risks. It is also critically important that structures be built in accordance with engineering techniques, scientific data, and regulations. As engineers, we calculate the load that the soil and foundation will bear, and we plan the balanced distribution across columns, walls, concrete, and beams. Only buildings constructed through illegal means with unapproved building plans damage structures built on this principle and eliminate the building's load-bearing capacity and strength. Structures not built according to project specifications or constructed illegally increase damage and losses in any disaster scenario," he said.

"Building Inspections Must Be Started Very Rapidly"

Although soil surveys have been conducted since the 1990s, Doğan emphasized that the 1999 earthquake was a turning point in this field, continuing: "Soil and construction foundation survey reports are a subject that geologists, geophysicists, and we civil engineers work on together. As soil engineers examine the soil, we report how the foundation should be designed according to parameters suited to that soil. Therefore, errors in parameters used in this field, which requires serious expertise, lead to incorrect building design and pose risks. For this reason, building inspections must be started very rapidly in all our cities close to fault lines, particularly Istanbul, located in primary earthquake zones. Every local government should prepare a structural risk inventory of buildings within its area of responsibility," he stated.

"Everyone Should Know the Risk Status of the Building They Live In, Whether as Owner or Tenant"

Noting that our country is one where major earthquake zones and natural disasters such as fires, floods, and landslides occur, Cemal Doğan said that disaster awareness must be instilled in every segment of society from an early age. Doğan concluded: "I believe that disaster awareness must be taught as a mandatory subject starting from primary school. If this is done, a more conscious society structure will emerge within 30 to 40 years. Today, our citizens also have responsibilities. Everyone should know the risk status of the building they live in, whether as owner or tenant. Because taking precautions is a matter of social consciousness."