ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER – June 2011
SITUATION ANALYSIS
It would not be wrong to say that only a few politicians have addressed the issues of urban transformation and building safety before the elections. Even so, it is hard to say that their proposed projects are clear. However, they have some legitimacy on this matter. The truth is that the public does not address these topics unless an earthquake happens or their fears are triggered.
I hope the election results bring good for our country. In the following period, I sincerely wish that every politician, whether in power or opposition, will develop and implement projects on urban transformation in our country. I also hope that citizens will follow through with this issue. If they do not, the stock of buildings with insufficient earthquake resistance will continue to grow day by day. (By the way, hundreds of them are already being built daily.)
On January 13, 2010, the earthquake in Haiti caused wounds that still haven’t healed. The people there faced unimaginable hardships. Today, in Kütahya, despite the death toll being limited to 2, the hardships of our citizens continue. Yes, earthquake-resistant housing is being built, efforts are being made to resolve problems as quickly as possible, but citizens will still have to live in tents for months before they can return to their old routines.
Destructive earthquakes are discussed throughout Turkey. The material and moral damage caused by the 1992 Erzincan and 1999 Marmara Earthquakes is well known. Our greatest desire is to avoid experiencing these pains again.
Both in urban centers and rural areas, determining the seismic safety of buildings and initiating renovation works should begin with collective effort. In this regard, the MPs of Elazığ also have a significant role to play. I hope that with joint projects, Elazığ will set an example for the rest of Turkey.
In February 2007, moderate earthquakes in Sivrice caused heavy damage to hundreds of buildings in Elazığ city center. In larger earthquakes, there will likely be much more significant damage and, consequently, massive losses. Our wish is for such a severe earthquake never to occur anywhere in our country. However, merely wishing for it is helplessness, and this is not a trait that befits our nation.
Some statements made carelessly regarding the resilience of buildings are disturbing. The belief that buildings made with ready-mixed concrete and rebar are earthquake-resistant might be preparing the path for our downfall. Concrete and steel have their specific properties. Not every rebar has the desired characteristics, and concrete also has unique properties.
The mix ratios of concrete, the materials used, transportation, pouring, curing, and the period before removing the formwork all affect the strength of the concrete. These factors complement each other. In other words, just because concrete is produced at a central facility doesn’t mean it is perfect.
Another often-overlooked issue is the design itself. Unfortunately, our engineers no longer thoroughly examine the projects. Civil engineers are heading towards becoming software application engineers. Enter the available data and trust the computer’s results. This understanding will lead to important errors in projects, and as a result, undesirable behaviors during an earthquake.
Buildings with insufficient earthquake resistance are a national issue. Once the dust settles in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, it will be a crucial development for our country if our MPs show sensitivity towards this issue. It would be a great pride for Elazığ to lead the way in these positive developments.
Until a national earthquake strategy is created in our country, my final words will always be the same: “In societies with a high level of civilization, who set their sights on the future with goals and grand projects, the safest places during an earthquake are their own homes.”