Turkey is an earthquake country. We have to live with this reality. However, this fact should not lead us to despair. Our country is one of the most unique places in the world with its extremely fertile lands, four seasons, seas and plains. So, what should be done against earthquakes on these lands?
First of all, it is necessary to build earthquake-resistant cities. Such cities are only possible with earthquake-resistant houses. So we can update our question as follows: What does an earthquake-resistant house mean and what should be considered when buying such a house?
Floor
In order to understand that a house is earthquake resistant, it is necessary to pay close attention to certain factors. Undoubtedly, the ground survey is one of these elements. Because structures are more damaged on weak or liquefaction risk. Therefore, solid soils (Z1 and Z2) classified in the Turkish Buildings Earthquake Code (TBDY 2018) should be preferred. In other words, the ground structure of the house should be looked at first. It is a good idea to review geotechnical reports to understand if there is a risk of liquefaction in the ground. Then, it should be investigated whether certain ground improvement methods (such as stone columns, bored piles) are used on the floor of the house to be purchased. So, is it enough for the ground alone to give confidence?
Building Statics
Although the ground structure is very important, the building statics and carrier systems of the house you will buy are very decisive against earthquake risk. Carrier system; It consists of elements such as columns, beams, floors, shear walls and foundations and ensures that the structure safely transfers both its own weight and external loads such as earthquakes to the ground. The type of this system (frame, curtain, mixed) directly affects the behavior of the building in the face of earthquakes.
Don’t forget! A building with solid static, rigid carrier system and a regularly planned building shows high performance against earthquakes. This sentence may seem too technical to you; Right. Now let’s explain what we mean in simpler language.
A solid statics of a building means that the structure can safely carry its own weight and the loads caused by the daily activities of the people living on it.
The fact that the carrier system is rigid means that the building can resist vibrations without stretching or changing shape. This ensures that the building remains as strong as possible against the forces created by the earthquake.
The expression of a regularly planned structure means that the columns, beams, walls, that is, all the elements carrying the building, are placed in a certain order and at the right points. This order prevents the impact of the earthquake from spreading unevenly throughout the building.
In summary, we say this: If a building can bear both its own weight and external tremors in a balanced way; if the structural elements are placed in a harmonious and solid order; That building will be much less damaged in an earthquake. It becomes a safe haven for those who live in it.
Ground and building statics are the first things we pay attention to when buying a house. However, if we are buying a house where we will spend our lives, we need to know more. What is more? Small details? Elements that will allow you to sleep peacefully where you lay your head: the type of foundation system and the way it is applied, the structure of the carrier system, the quality of the material used, the compliance of the building with the current earthquake regulations, waterproofing, building inspection processes and the application quality of all these elements in the field. These are invisible but vital elements for the stability of the building and the safety of its inhabitants.
The most important building component for a building to stand strongly on the ground is undoubtedly the foundation. For this reason, it is necessary to learn which foundation system is used to buy an earthquake-resistant house. Because a properly chosen foundation effectively transfers the load of the building to the ground by minimizing structural damage. So it is impossible not to recognize their basic system.
A Strong Foundation System
One of the most reliable systems among the foundation types is raft general foundation. This type of foundation spreads the load of the building evenly over the entire ground surface, minimizing the risks of differential settlement that can occur, especially in soft soils. It also ensures that the seismic waves generated during an earthquake spread evenly and controllably throughout the building.
But what if the ground is too weak? In this case, pile foundation systems come into play. In cases where the soil’s bearing capacity is insufficient, the structure is fastened to deeper solid layers with piles. Thus, the structure can stand safely without being affected by risks on the surface.
However, it should not be forgotten that even the most correct type of foundation can lose all its effect with a bad application. Every stage, from lean concrete pouring to waterproofing, from the placement of iron reinforcements to basic connection details, requires care. Temel is not just a technical calculation; it is also an application process that requires attention, discipline and experience.
Material Quality
Another important issue to understand whether the house we will buy is earthquake resistant concrete and material quality. The grade of concrete used in the building is at least C30/37, preferably C40 ribbed reinforced concrete steel (B420C) should be used and the compliance of these materials with the standards should be documented by core testing or building inspection reports. In addition, details such as the placement of iron reinforcements, their stainless steel, and concrete cover allowance are vital for a long-lasting and safe structure.
Compliance with Regulations
Whether the house we will buy complies with legal procedures is of critical importance when it comes to earthquakes. For this reason, attention should be paid to issues such as the compliance of the project with the TBDY 2018 Earthquake Regulation, whether the building has a certificate of occupancy and whether the construction process is meticulously supervised. Especially buildings before 2000 carry risks as they were built according to old earthquake regulations. However, even if the building is old, it should be investigated whether strengthening works have been carried out in order to understand whether it has been made safe against earthquakes, and if so, by what methods; In this context, technical reports and application documents should be requested on whether methods such as sheathing, carbon fiber reinforcement, steel beam and column additions, shear wall additions are used.
Per Yapı
Acting with the aim of providing a safe living space without ignoring the reality of earthquakes, Per Yapı fully implements all these engineering criteria in its projects. Solid floors that do not have the risk of liquefaction are preferred in all residences; The foundation of the buildings is built with the raft general foundation system, which transfers the load to the ground in a balanced manner. Carrier systems are designed to show high performance against earthquakes with their rigid and regularly planned structure. At least C40 class concrete as concrete quality and B420C class ribbed steel as reinforcement material Used. All buildings are designed in accordance with the TBDY 2018 Earthquake Regulation and successfully pass the building inspection processes. Thanks to all these technical and practical superiorities, Per Yapı The houses built by have the potential to withstand earthquakes of magnitude 9.