How Do We Know If Buildings Are Earthquake Resistant?

According to the data in the ‘Earthquake Report’ published by Konda in December 2020, the people who participated in the research 42% think the building they live in is solid. While 34% state that they do not know about the building they live in, 24% say that their building is not solid.

However, in the same research, when asked whether the living buildings were checked or not, only 19% part building is checked says. The remaining 81% state that they did not have their building checked.

In a country like ours, which is in an earthquake zone where most of its lands are on fault lines, every building needs to be inspected and made earthquake resistant;

Most of Turkey’s territory, on the earthquake belt exists. Almost all of our Aegean, Marmara, Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia regions are at risk of earthquakes.

These regions are populated by our large cities with high population density. Moreover, the state of the building stocks of the cities is unfortunately deplorable.. The recent earthquakes that shook our country showed once again that a durable building means life.

What criteria can be used to determine whether a building is earthquake resistant or not?

In order to determine whether a building is earthquake resistant or not, the building Evaluation of soil, foundation, beams, walls, columns and static properties needs. All these examinations should be done by professionals from professional groups such as architects and engineers.

To briefly summarize the process, first of all, a preliminary observation is carried out by the architect or engineer. In this preliminary observation, some of the existing problems can be determined according to the condition of the building. Afterwards, methods such as x-rays and coring are used. After all inspections, a report is prepared on the risk status of the building.

So what do we need to do to find out if our buildings are earthquake resistant?

For this basically there are two different ways; to apply to official institutions or to continue with a private company.

Unfortunately, at the beginning of the determining factors when choosingaccording to the result what if my building is demolished‘ fear. For this reason, many people choose private companies instead of applying to official institutions.

How does the process progress when contracted with a private company?

First of all, the architects/engineers of the company visit the building and make a preliminary observation. Coring is taken from the main carrier columns, beams and floors of the building. Samples taken are analyzed in a laboratory setting.

To take a look at the condition of the iron used in the construction of the building and to evaluate the condition of the invisible areas building x-rays. In addition, if there are structural elements that are corroded by the stripping process, they are detected. After all these processes, a three-dimensional simulation is prepared with the data obtained from the building; report is generated.

The report includes detailed data on the general condition of the building, which parts are weak, which parts are strong, and how resistant it is to earthquakes. Also, the report It also provides information on the precautions to be taken.. It is vital that the company conducting the process also examines the ground where the building is located.

What happens if we want to move forward with official institutions, which is the other option?

At this point, people have to apply to official institutions such as the municipality they are affiliated with, the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and the District Governorship. After this official application, the technical teams come to test the building with the same methods.

However Since the final inspection authority is in the ministry, Evacuation and demolition decisions can be made for heavily damaged buildings. Even in the scenario where the demolition decision is not made, if there are problems in the building, it may be requested to apply to the building inspection companies authorized by the ministry for a more detailed examination.

But there are also municipal projects where you can have building inspections without eviction and demolition decisions;

For example, the Building Detection Project carried out by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality is completely free of charge. makes damage assessments of buildings. For the rapid screening test, municipal teams visit the buildings and perform the test. Then the results are delivered within 10 days.

Buildings tested with this method are not declared as risky structures; There is no decision to demolish or evacuate. The purpose of the test is to inform the homeowners and to determine the building stock status of the city. In fact, Özlem Tut, Head of IMM Department of Earthquake Risk Management and Urban Improvement, made a statement on this subject and said that those who hesitate to put their buildings to the test should not be afraid; stressed that this process will not result in a demolition or evacuation decision.

If you live in Istanbul, you can take a look at the project details here; You can scan the official websites and social media accounts of the municipality of your city to find out if there are similar projects ongoing in different provinces.

If you want to support our earthquake victims;

If you want to take a look at our video about seismic isolators, which is one of the most reliable ways to make a building earthquake resistant;

We talked to an expert about how to fix our psychology after the earthquake disaster that shook our country deeply;