Structural damages observed in buildings after the January 24, 2020 Elazığ-Sivrice earthquake in Türkiye

Abstract

Türkiye is located in the most active earthquake zones with the shortest return period. Consequently, it has exposed several destructive earthquakes that caused significant casualties and extensive structural damage during recent decades. Elazığ-Sivrice earthquake was one of them. The earthquake had a magnitude of Mw 6.8. It occurred in the Sivrice district of Elazığ province in eastern Türkiye on 24 January 2020. Many buildings were collapsed or severely damaged. A total of 41 people died and at least 1607 people were injured. This study aims to present the different types of structural damage observed immediately after the earthquake. Many structural insufficiencies and errors such as non-seismic reinforcement detailing, non-conforming earthquake-resistant construction techniques, poor quality of concrete and poor workmanship are the main reasons for the extensive damage observed in many past earthquakes in Türkiye. In addition, geotechnical inspections also indicated that soil settlement might be prevented by building basement floors in the areas that were observed. The results of the study have shown that not enough lessons have been learned from previous earthquakes. Because of this, structural engineers must closely follow structures while they are built, and well-trained staff must be employed during the construction process.

Keywords

• Elazığ earthquake
• Strong ground motion
• Structural damage
• Reinforced concrete buildings
• Masonry buildings