Earthquake Reinforcement Association (DEGÜDER) President Sinan Türkkan made important statements regarding the 7-storey building that partially collapsed in Bahçelievler. Türkkan drew attention to the earthquake risk in Istanbul while evaluating the incident.
Sinan Türkkan said, “If we consider Istanbul in general, we can say that there are quite a few buildings of this type. Especially buildings built before 2000, which did not receive the necessary engineering service and are not earthquake resistant, need to be urgently “reinforced.”
Emphasizing the uncontrolled construction in Istanbul between 1970 and 1990, Türkkan said, “This building was built in 1980. The construction conditions were quite primitive and inadequate. Moreover, 3 floors were added in 1994. Such additions pose a great risk in terms of engineering .”
Stating that buildings built before 2000 should be examined quickly and necessary precautions should be taken, Türkkan added, “If it is to be demolished, it should be demolished; if it is to be strengthened, it should be strengthened and made ready for earthquakes. Applicable projects should be developed for buildings that can be strengthened.”
Türkkan also touched on the success of the reinforced buildings in Hatay and said, “The buildings that survived through reinforcement should be taken as an example and similar practices should be implemented in Istanbul as well.”
