Performance of reinforced concrete buildings in the February 6, 2023 Türkiye earthquakes

Abstract

: The paper discusses consequences of the February 6, 2023 earthquake sequence (a M 7.7 earthquake with epicentre in Pazarcik, followed by a M 7.5 earthquake with epicentre in Elbistan) which affected south Türkiye and northwestern part of Syria. The earthquakes caused more than 56,000 fatalities. More than 230,000 buildings experienced severe damage or collapse, while additional 40,000 buildings experienced moderate damage. The focus of the paper is on the performance of reinforced concrete buildings, which are prevalent in the affected area. The causes of structural damage are discussed in the context of the local codes, and in design and construction practices. Extensive non-structural damage was observed in these buildings, and it was caused by flexible RC frame system and inadequate amount of RC walls. The topic is relevant for Serbia since reinforced concrete is prevalent technology for buildings in our country, and some similarities in construction practices exist in Serbia and Türkiye.