ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER – November 2012
WHAT DID THE MASTERS SAY?
On Friday (November 16, 2012), two esteemed professors visited Elazığ. This significant event, organized by the Chamber of Civil Engineers (İMO), took place at the Fırat University Congress Center. On behalf of myself, my colleagues, and my students, I would like to thank Hıdır KAYA, the İMO Elazığ Representative, and the Board of Directors for this important initiative.
Prof. Dr. Zekai Celep and Prof. Dr. Kadir GÜLER, both faculty members at Istanbul Technical University’s Faculty of Civil Engineering, provided invaluable insights under the theme of earthquake-resistant building design. Our colleagues shared their technical problems with these esteemed professors.
It would be fitting to describe Prof. Zekai Celep as one of the masters of reinforced concrete structures. He made a very special and helpful presentation on reinforced concrete foundations. The unique situations arising from level differences in Elazığ in recent years found a prominent place in his presentation.
I believe that hearing from such a valuable scientist about the importance of basements in buildings will significantly contribute to the building stock in Elazığ.
The most emphasized point in Prof. Celep’s presentation was the importance of designing a very well-thought-out structure for earthquake resilience. He frequently reminded us that many assumptions are made during design, and results are obtained based on these assumptions. Therefore, the significance of engineering experience and foresight is crucial.
The hidden message that Prof. Celep intended to convey was about our fundamental issue: “Accepting the results from the computer as 100% correct.” Engineers are not only calculators but also interpreters. They must always filter the mathematical results they obtain through logical reasoning. If they interpret the results, they are doing engineering, not just operating a computer.
The seminar topics were very well chosen. In the first presentation, Prof. Celep focused on design, and in the second, Prof. Kadir Güler spoke about implementation. Prof. Güler, who has dedicated years to this field, is one of the renowned figures in our profession and an important scholar. He shared very clear information about the rules of reinforced concrete reinforcement.
Prof. Güler's intended message was the same: “The project prepared by the computer must go through the engineering filter.” Additionally, he repeatedly emphasized that a building must be constructed as closely as possible to its design to behave as expected under earthquake forces.
I believe the seminar was highly beneficial for everyone. On this occasion, we once again express our sincere thanks to our esteemed professors for their valuable contributions.
Colleagues from the municipality, the provincial special administration, and the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning showed great interest in the seminar. The same group of professionals from the private sector also attended. I say “the same” because, unfortunately, we don't often see other engineers—aside from a few dedicated and successful professionals—at these kinds of seminars. On this occasion, let’s send our sweet complaint to those who didn’t attend and our gratitude to those who did.
The reason for this complaint and gratitude is this: In these days when urban transformation is on the agenda, there is a significant need for professional unity and professional competence. These needs can only be met with knowledge. Taking full advantage of seminars like these, where knowledge flows, will be one of the most important contributions to our hometown from a professional perspective.
For a country that is constantly growing, renewing, and developing, we need individuals who are constantly evolving and developing as well…