Following the magnitude 5.9 earthquake that recently struck Gölyaka and Sarıdere in Düzce, the same questions that always arise came to the fore once again: how earthquake-resistant is our building? Before attempting to answer that, I want to address a few important points.
The devastating losses of the 17th August 1999 earthquake were caused, at least in part, by the use of substandard concrete, steel, and building materials, and most critically by an insufficient level of construction oversight. That said, materials alone do not tell the whole story. The condition of the ground is equally important; depending on soil type, the permissible building height, column and beam cross-sections, and a wide range of other parameters can all change significantly. In the years following that earthquake, updated seismic regulations, more rigorous building control methods, and improvements in material quality have together enabled us to build structures that are genuinely more resistant to seismic events.
Three Provisions in the Earthquake Regulation That Most People Are Unaware Of
- Building importance factor
- Conditions relating to irregular buildings
- Eccentricity amplification factor
These three provisions are the coefficients within a building's structural calculations that keep it safe. They ensure that under normal conditions the structure does not move, and that it is capable of withstanding seismic forces with a higher level of resistance and performance. That said, however carefully these calculations are carried out and however many safety margins are built in, what ultimately matters is the contractor responsible for building the structure and the building control mechanism responsible for overseeing it. Both play a decisive role.
In the end, it is human beings who cause harm to both nature and other people. All we can do is hope that you encounter those who are guided by sound moral values and a genuine commitment to professional integrity.
