“The Miracle Staircase of Hatay: Resisting Earthquakes and Defying Physics”
Steel construction structures are becoming increasingly popular in earthquake-prone Turkey due to their many advantages, including higher durability and sustainability compared to reinforced concrete structures. Interior architect Berkay Fabric has pointed out that steel has a higher load-bearing capacity, a lower probability of collapse, and a longer durability if correctly assembled with stainless protectors. Steel structures are also more architecturally appealing as they do not contain columns or beam protrusions and are formable. In terms of costs, steel structures are 40% lower than structures built with reinforced concrete, but with the increase in demand for steel structures, these prices are beginning to catch up to each other. Steel construction homes can be used for over 100 years without issues, and have a recyclability level of 75%, much higher than reinforced concrete structures. Steel structures are also more resistant to natural disasters such as earthquakes than reinforced concrete structures due to their flexibility and lightness. The heat permeability of correctly applied steel structures is actually lower than reinforced concrete structures. As Turkey is a country with a high risk of earthquakes, it is important to take precautions and raise awareness to minimize damage by considering alternative shelter methods such as steel structures.
