Owners Unable to Scan Fast – Breaking News from Milliyet
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has been undertaking a crucial initiative by offering free “rapid scanning building testing” for buildings in the city since 2020. This project, carried out in collaboration with Istanbul Technical University (ITU) through the “Pera 2019” method, aims to assess the earthquake safety of structures in the city.
Residents of Istanbul can apply for this service through the website https://binatespitiformu.ibb.gov.tr/. Once the applications are submitted, teams are dispatched to the specified addresses. The teams conduct detailed inspections that involve removing plaster from selected columns in the buildings and utilizing an X-ray machine to determine the number, spacing, and locations of iron bars within the concrete. Additionally, the teams assess the reinforcement of the columns to evaluate the properties of the iron and its corrosion status.
After gathering all necessary data, the teams analyze the information in the office, along with ground values, to determine the earthquake safety classification of the building. The classification ranges from A and B for low risk to E for very high risk. Buildings classified as D and E are recommended to undergo comprehensive analysis as per the Law on the Transformation of Areas at Disaster Risk.
Since the project’s inception in 2020, there have been over 162,000 applications, with teams visiting 114,000 buildings. However, due to lack of permission from other flat owners, rapid scanning could not be performed on 79,000 visited buildings. Out of the 35,000 buildings that underwent the test, half were classified as D and E, with 318 buildings at risk of collapsing and 1,238 having no earthquake safety measures at all.
The ultimate goal of this initiative is to prioritize the renewal of 200,000 buildings out of the 800,000 buildings constructed before 2000 in Istanbul as they pose significant earthquake risks. Furthermore, efforts are being made to address the critical conditions of 3,500 historical buildings in the city.
As part of the initiative, 293 buildings deemed as risky have been evacuated or demolished, ensuring the safety of over 10,000 residents. Additionally, rental assistance packages have been prepared for homeowners of buildings identified as very high risk to facilitate evacuation, demolition, and renovation processes.
In light of the importance of earthquake safety, experts like Earthquake Scientist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür have emphasized the significance of conducting thorough assessments and taking necessary precautions to mitigate risks. Through collaborative efforts and proactive measures, Istanbul aims to enhance the resilience of its buildings and ensure the safety of its residents in the face of potential seismic events.
