VAN - Geology Engineer Eyüp Ceyhan stated that the earthquake had fatal consequences due to the improper operation of the control mechanism and zoning amnesties in the cities on the fault line, and listed the precautions to be taken.

 

Earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.7 and 7.6 that occurred on February 6 in Maraş caused great destruction. Implementations such as the establishment of cities on fault lines, irregularities in structures and zoning peace caused the earthquake to turn into a disaster.

 

THE ZONING AMNESTY CAUSED THE DEATH

 

Geological Engineer Eyüp Ceyhan, who spoke about the destruction caused by the chain of neglect, said that the reason why the Maraş-centered earthquake was so devastating was that the structures were not built properly.

 

Stating that the earthquake was deadly due to the chain of neglect, Ceyhan said: “The failure of the control mechanism of the buildings also caused destruction. As if these were not enough, the zoning amnesties issued for the sake of rent also caused the destruction to be even greater. The zoning amnesties caused the death.”

 

Stating that Turkey is an earthquake zone, therefore, there should be no construction on the fault line, Ceyhan said: “Our country is located between two tectonic plates and is constantly being compressed. Therefore, there will always be breaks. Buildings should be constructed using methods such as ground surveys and ground improvements towards areas where liquefaction and loose alluvial soils exist. Correct engineering techniques should be used for cities located on fault lines. Proper ground improvements should be made. Buildings should not be built in places where there are insufficient bearing strength, problems in the foundation excavations, swellings observed at the end of the foundation excavations, liquid potential in the ground, bending and sliding of the structure, depressions and swellings in the ground around the building."

 

GROUND STRENGTHENING WORKS

 

Ceyhan provided information on what needs to be done. Emphasizing that all soil studies should be carried out in detail and soil strengthening works should be carried out immediately in the required areas, Ceyhan said: “The main purpose of soil reinforcement is to increase the structural bearing capacity of weak soils. Apart from this, it is necessary to reduce the permeability of the floor and increase the volume weight in terms of units. The presence of liquid on the floor of the building needs to be reduced. In addition, it is very important to strengthen the fillings and ensure that they are durable, and the reinforcement of the split parts is very important.

 

Emphasizing the importance of ground reinforcement with methods such as grouting, stone columns, the use of mini excavations, the application of bored excavations, and Jet-Grouting, Ceylan concluded his speech as follows: “Structures should not have been built on fault lines in particular. If there are to be buildings in this area, there should be no tall buildings. However, if it is to be done, it is important that the structures suitable for the ground comply with the standards. If these rules are followed, we can minimize the destructiveness of the earthquake.”