Structural damage observed in reinforced concrete buildings in Adiyaman during the 2023 Turkiye Kahramanmaras Earthquakes

Abstract

Türkiye, located in a highly seismic region, has witnessed a history of devastating earthquakes, with unprecedented consequences noted in February 2023 when two powerful earthquakes near Pazarcik (Mw 7.7) and Elbistan (Mw 7.6) struck Southern Türkiye, resulting in extensive casualties, structural damage, and the compromised integrity of over 500,000 buildings. This study, centered on the Adiyaman region, scrutinizes the immediate structural damage to various reinforced concrete buildings, including both low-rise and tall structures. Many of the damages were attributed to structural deficiencies, including inadequate seismic reinforcement detailing, non-compliance with earthquake-resistant construction techniques, substandard concrete quality, and poor workmanship. The quality of building materials is considered a critical factor in structural resilience during earthquakes. Substandard materials or compromised quality can substantially impair a building's ability to withstand seismic forces. These key findings address a critical gap in understanding the vulnerabilities of reinforced concrete buildings in the aftermath of the 2023 Türkiye Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes. With professional rescue experience from the field, the authors bring unique insights.