Earthquake Performance Analysis and Seismic Investigation of Buildings in Antalya: A Comprehensive Guide for Safe Structures
As Antalya is located in an earthquake-prone region, the safety of buildings becomes a critical concern. In this context, analyzing the seismic performance of buildings and reinforcing them if necessary plays a crucial role for both property owners and the people living in these structures. Particularly in densely populated areas like Muratpaşa, Kepez, and Konyaaltı, the abundance of old building stock increases the importance of conducting earthquake performance analyses in these regions. Many buildings in the city were not constructed according to the current earthquake regulations, raising concerns about their seismic resilience.
So, what exactly are earthquake performance analysis, building performance analysis, and building performance tests? Why are they so important, and how does the process work? In this article, we will discuss this critical topic with a focus on Antalya, and explain how Hermes Engineering Construction Co. Ltd. can assist you in this matter.
What is Building Earthquake Performance Analysis?
Building earthquake performance analysis refers to a series of calculations and evaluations performed to predict how a structure will behave during an earthquake. This analysis measures the structural system’s resilience against seismic forces and provides crucial data for the building’s safety. Building performance testing is essential for determining the safety levels of structures, identifying the need for reinforcement, and ensuring the building is made earthquake-resistant.
Building earthquake performance analysis is a comprehensive set of engineering studies conducted to determine the behavior and resilience of an existing structure against the potential impact of an earthquake, in line with current seismic regulations and standards. This analysis is essentially like a “check-up” for your building’s earthquake resistance. As a result, it reveals whether the structure will withstand an earthquake, what type of damages it might sustain, and whether there are any risks to life safety.
The way to minimize loss of life and property in the event of a potential earthquake is through the meticulous examination of the seismic safety of our existing buildings, i.e., conducting building earthquake performance analysis and seismic investigation.
Hermes Engineering Construction Co. Ltd. is an engineering firm specialized in conducting earthquake performance analyses of buildings in Antalya and its surrounding areas. Our company provides services in seismic investigation, building performance testing/analysis, reinforcement designs, risky building detection, and similar areas.
How Does the Building Performance Analysis Process Work?
As Hermes Project, the building performance analysis process we carry out in Antalya is meticulously conducted in accordance with the Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TEC-2018) and other relevant current standards. The general steps are as follows:
1. Preliminary Review and Data Collection
- The building’s architectural and structural plans, if available, along with the geotechnical survey report, are reviewed.
- General information such as the building’s age, purpose, and number of floors is collected.
- An investigation is conducted to determine whether the building has undergone any renovations in the past, and if the current use of the building aligns with its original design and purpose.
2. Site Work
- Surveying: The building’s architectural and structural plans, if available, are compared with on-site observations. For buildings without plans, measurements are taken on-site to generate architectural and structural surveys.
- Geotechnical Survey: The characteristics of the soil (soil class, bearing capacity, liquefaction risk, etc.) are determined. This is a crucial factor directly influencing the building’s behavior under seismic loads.
- Identification and Examination of Structural Elements: The dimensions, layout, and condition of load-bearing elements such as columns, beams, and shear walls are determined for representing these conditions in the analysis (e.g., cracks, corrosion, etc.).
3. Material Properties Determination
- Core Sampling: Concrete samples (cores) are taken from the building’s load-bearing elements (columns, shear walls, etc.) according to the regulations, for analysis.
- Reinforcement Detection: The number, spacing, and placement of steel reinforcement bars inside reinforced concrete elements are determined using X-ray or specialized equipment. Additionally, as per the relevant regulations, reinforcement condition is assessed through scraping procedures.
- Steel Testing: Tensile tests are performed on samples taken from reinforcement to determine the yield and rupture strengths of the steel.
4. Laboratory Testing
The core and steel samples collected from the site are sent to accredited laboratories by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization for required testing. The relevant reports are obtained for use in analysis.
5.Modeling and Engineering Analysis
- Based on all collected data (surveying, geotechnical results, material strengths), a three-dimensional (3D) structural model of the building is created using specialized engineering software.
- This model is analyzed under earthquake loads as defined by the Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBC-2018) using linear or nonlinear analysis methods.
- The potential damages to structural elements (columns, beams, shear walls, etc.) and the building’s overall performance level (Prevention of Collapse, Life Safety, Limited Damage, Continuous Use) are determined.
6. Preparation of the Earthquake Performance Analysis Report
- All findings, results, and analysis outcomes are presented in a detailed earthquake performance analysis report.
- The current earthquake safety status of the building is clearly stated in the report.
- If the building is found to be at risk, potential reinforcement methods and recommendations may also be included in the report.
7. Submission of the Earthquake Performance Analysis for Review and Approval
The performance analysis can be conducted for building owners who wish to assess the health of their structures, or it can be prepared upon request from municipalities or various other public institutions (Ministry of Health, Provincial Health Directorate, Ministry of National Education, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, etc.).
Hermes Proje’s Role and Expertise
Hermes Engineering is listed among the “Authorized Institutions and Organizations for Risky Building Detection under the Law No. 6306” by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. In this regard, the company is authorized to conduct the necessary analyses to determine whether buildings are risky. Detailed information and lists can be accessed on the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change’s official website. You can find further details here.
Additionally, Hermes Engineering is included in the list published by the Chamber of Civil Engineers, which evaluates the application files of Civil Engineers who state that they work in the field of evaluating and reinforcing existing structures, and lists those engineers who have passed the exams. More information can be found on Chamber of Civil Engineers’s official website.
Earthquake Performance Analysis Prices
Earthquake performance analysis prices vary depending on the size, complexity, and type of analysis required for the structure. However, the cost of these analyses, aimed at ensuring a healthy and safe building, will ultimately pay off as an investment in preventing potential loss of life and material damage in the long term.
Factors Affecting Building Performance Analysis Prices
The prices of earthquake performance analysis depend on various factors, such as:
The size of the building,
The location,
The number of floors,
The structural system,
Whether architectural and structural plans are available,
The type of analysis and level of detail required,
The scope of on-site and laboratory tests (number of cores to be taken, scraping volume, type of geotechnical survey, etc.),
The institutions to which the analysis will be submitted and the fees required by these institutions.
For a precise price, an on-site inspection and preliminary analysis are necessary.
Conclusion
At Hermes Engineering, with our experienced engineering team, advanced technological equipment, and legal and academic qualifications, we meticulously analyze the seismic safety of your buildings in Antalya, guiding you towards a secure future. Contact us to learn how safe your building is against earthquakes through structural performance analysis and take the necessary precautions. Remember, it’s not earthquakes, but unsafe buildings that pose a threat.
Contact
To take advantage of our professional earthquake performance analysis services in Antalya and surrounding areas, get detailed information, or request a free site survey, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an earthquake performance analysis take?
The analysis typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the building.
Can we continue living in the building during the analysis?
Yes, the analysis usually does not affect the building’s use. Procedures such as sample collection are short-term and involve minimal intervention.
What should we do if our building is identified as risky?
In the case of a risky building detection, reinforcement or urban renewal options are considered. As Hermes Engineering, we are here to provide consultancy throughout this process and help you find the best solution.