ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER - July 2010
OUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
I have repeatedly emphasized in my writings that the strength of concrete can be negatively affected when maintenance conditions are not met, especially during abnormal weather conditions. Meanwhile, our ongoing investigations have shown that the attention given to concrete maintenance on construction sites has slightly increased. Concrete curing, which plays a key role in achieving the desired strength, has become a more serious focus for construction owners. Clearly, our efforts in this area have not been in vain. However, it is still not enough to say that the issue has been fully addressed.
I would like to thank everyone who shared their valuable opinions on concrete maintenance through email, phone, and face-to-face conversations following my column. I believe it is useful to share the common conclusion that emerged: “We didn’t know how important concrete maintenance was.” It seems that training or informational seminars in the sector are necessary. It would be a significant step forward if relevant institutions and organizations collaborate to conduct educational activities on this issue.
Is knowing enough? Absolutely not. We cannot simply say that everyone who knows the truth applies it. First, education and information activities should be carried out, and then it should be inspected whether work is being conducted according to accurate information. This responsibility lies with those who regulate the relevant laws. Last week, I discussed building inspections. The building inspection law should be adjusted based on Turkey’s specific conditions and implemented in all provinces.
I believe it’s not useful to criticize without offering suggestions. Therefore, for every issue we have considered incomplete or insufficient, we have provided a solution. Construction is such a sector that it constitutes nearly 40% of the economy in most countries. This percentage represents a nation’s future, even its very existence. Naturally, this enormous sector will have its flaws and mistakes. What matters is taking the necessary steps to correct them as quickly as possible.
The construction sector cannot be limited to buildings alone. However, what makes buildings important is people. In earthquakes, people lose their lives in these buildings. Efforts to improve buildings are intensified in order to minimize such losses. After an earthquake, of course, clean and dirty water lines, as well as transportation, are important. But these issues only matter if people are alive. Everyone has a responsibility for the earthquake resistance of buildings, and those who bear this responsibility are also at risk when faced with an earthquake. The earthquake’s impact is unpredictable—it may strike at home, while on vacation, or during a business trip. Having a solid house doesn’t guarantee safety from the earthquake. Earthquakes do not discriminate based on rank or position. Turkey’s insufficient building stock in terms of earthquake resistance should constantly occupy a significant portion of the national agenda.
Individuals and institutions must review their strengths and weaknesses. Correct actions should be continued and recommended to others, while efforts should be made to address shortcomings and eliminate mistakes. If these are done, success will be inevitable, regardless of the subject.
Building earthquake-resistant structures is not solely the responsibility of technical institutions and organizations. Every citizen also has a responsibility in this matter. This sense of responsibility must be instilled in everyone. Without creating an informed society, it will be impossible to change Turkey’s seismic fate. Citizens should be encouraged to participate in seminars and symposiums on earthquakes, and informative sessions should be held. Every member of society must demonstrate sensitivity to earthquake issues.
With the hope of increasing our strengths...