Our faculty member Prof. Mehmet Barış Can Ülker and Research Assistant Mustafa Mert Eyüpgiller conducted an study on the structural, geotechnical, and architectural conditions of mid-rise reinforced concrete (RC) residential buildings that suffered heavy damage during the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. These devastating earthquakes, with magnitudes Mw7.8 (Pazarcık) and Mw7.6 (Elbistan/Ekinözü), caused extensive destruction, particularly among residential buildings.

The study identifies several factors behind the damage, such as poor concrete strength, brittle fractures in rebars, and deformations caused by soil liquefaction. The geotechnical analysis highlights significant settlement and subsidence in loose, saturated silty and sandy soils, which contributed to permanent building damages. The architectural review indicates that common design mistakes frequently observed in past earthquakes were repeated.

The research also underscores the strong performance of tunnel-form RC buildings. Despite being seven to ten stories tall, these buildings were constructed following modern code requirements and performed well during the earthquake


To read the full article:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article