ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER - December 2010
LET'S GET TO KNOW EARTHQUAKES!
You might wonder why we are talking about earthquakes, especially when there hasn't been a destructive earthquake in our country or anywhere else in the world recently. You might ask why we are discussing an earthquake-related topic. The answer is simple: we've quickly forgotten about earthquakes once again.
Of course, it’s everyone's wish that earthquakes are not destructive. However, these wishes cannot prevent the reality. The seismic belt that our country lies in is constantly in motion. Let's bring this issue, which should never be off the agenda, back to the forefront.
The intensity of an earthquake is defined at a specific point on the Earth's surface and determined by the degree of its effect at that point. Different definitions of intensity exist, but the most commonly used scale is the Mercalli Intensity Scale, developed by Mercalli. This scale is based on the level of damage and collapse to structures and should not be taken as an absolute measure of the earthquake. However, this scale provides a significant preliminary prediction.
Mercalli Intensity Scale:
- Intensity I (Not Felt): Only sensitive instruments detect it. People do not feel the earthquake.
- Intensity II (Very Light): Especially in the upper floors, people who are resting can feel it. Delicate objects may sway.
- Intensity III (Light): Felt inside buildings, but it’s not always clear if it’s an earthquake. Stationary cars may sway as if a truck passed by.
- Intensity IV (Moderate): Felt by most people inside buildings and a few people outside. Some people wake up at night, and objects like dishes, doors, and windows may sway.
- Intensity V (Strong): Almost everyone feels it. Some plates, plaster, and windows may break; long objects may move.
- Intensity VI (Very Strong): Everyone feels it, and many run outside. Chimneys and plaster may fall, and slight damage occurs.
- Intensity VII (Damaging): Everyone runs outside. Damage occurs in buildings depending on their structural integrity. Even drivers in moving vehicles feel the earthquake.
- Intensity VIII (Destructive): Walls separate from their frames and fall out. Monuments, chimneys, and walls collapse. Mud and sand burst out. A great panic occurs.
- Intensity IX (Very Destructive): Buildings separate from their foundations, crack, and tilt. Ground and underground pipes crack.
- Intensity X (Severe Destructive): Most masonry and framed structures are destroyed. The ground cracks, rails bend. Landslides occur.
- Intensity XI (Very Severe Destructive): New-type buildings may survive, but bridges are destroyed. Underground pipes break. Landslides and bent rails occur.
- Intensity XII (Catastrophic): Almost everything is destroyed. Ground surface exhibits waves. Objects are thrown into the air. The landscape changes.
It’s a fact that strong buildings will exhibit resilient behavior during an earthquake. Earthquake damage is directly related to factors such as the magnitude, duration, depth, proximity to populated areas, soil quality, and the quality of the structures. Since we do not have the opportunity to change the parameters related to earthquakes, the only alternative left for us is to ensure that our buildings are constructed to withstand earthquakes.
Palu-Gökdere, Sivrice-Gözeli, Bingöl, Kahramanmaraş are all shaking every day. Just because we don't feel it, does not mean there hasn’t been an earthquake. The issue is whether our buildings are ready for an earthquake. God willing, there will not be a destructive earthquake. But if one occurs, let’s hope we are ready for it.
A solid structure is a culture… I extend my respects and greetings.