Building Resilience: Strengthening Against Earthquakes
The issue of risky buildings in Istanbul has been a pressing concern, with approximately 600 thousand buildings identified as needing immediate earthquake reinforcement. However, the question remains: is demolition and reconstruction the only solution for these risky structures? According to Sinan Türkkan, President of the Earthquake Reinforcement Association, there is another option.
Türkkan believes that with proper reinforcement works, these buildings can be raised to the life safety level specified in the 2018 Earthquake Regulation. In fact, he states that over 300 thousand buildings can be made earthquake resistant in a short time with the right legislative changes. This means that risky buildings can potentially be strengthened without the need for evacuation, if their durability performance is up to standard.
When asked about the urgency of the situation, Türkkan emphasized the need for fast strengthening methods. He mentioned two main methods: screening, the classical approach, and strengthening the building from the outside using seismic dampers or additions. With the right regulations, it is possible to reinforce individual buildings without the need to enter them, eliminating the necessity for evacuation.
One of the key challenges in the process is legislation and settlement issues. Türkkan highlighted the need for legislation that allows for external retrofit without evacuation. Additionally, he pointed out that municipalities often create obstacles during the strengthening process, demanding unnecessary changes that increase costs for building owners.
In terms of time and cost, Türkkan explained that reinforcement can be completed in 6-8 months, significantly faster than the average process of demolishing and rebuilding a building, which takes 2.5 years. He stressed the importance of keeping reinforcement costs below 40 percent of the cost of demolition and reconstruction. As the number of flats increases, the cost per square meter decreases.
In conclusion, the issue of risky buildings in Istanbul requires urgent attention and action. With the right legislative changes and fast reinforcement methods, it is possible to make these structures earthquake resistant without the need for demolition and reconstruction. It is crucial for stakeholders to come together to address legislation and settlement issues to ensure the safety of residents in these buildings.
