OBSERVED STRUCTURAL DAMAGES AFTER THE FEBRUARY 6, 2023, KAHRAMANMARAS EARTHQUAKES IN TURKEY

Abstract

Two damaging earthquakes occurred in Kahramanmaras on 06.02.2022 with magnitudes of Mw=7.7 and Mw=7.6, respectively, causing loss of lives and economic losses. Field investigation conducted in provinces and districts of Kahramanmaras, Hatay, Gaziantep, Adiyaman, Malatya, Kilis, Adana, Diyarbakir, Osmaniye and Sanliurfa. Technical examinations and observations were conducted by the faculty members of Bursa Technical University of Earthquake Engineering Application and Research Centre. Damages as well as cause of failures in reinforced concrete, masonry, and historical structures were reported in this paper. Damages due to material properties, errors during the design and construction process stated in detail. Further, application suitability of the structures according to the current and old seismic specifications was investigated. Lessons learned and recommendations were provided to prevent failures in possible future earthquakes. © 2024, International Association for Earthquake Engineering. All rights reserved.