• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.145-156
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• 2020

The 24 January 2020 (Mw=6.8) earthquake with epicentre in Elazığ (Sivrice) on the East Anatolian Fault Zone caused loss of life and property. The information was given about the seismotectonic setting and regional seismicity along this fault zone and aftershock activity and ground motion data of this earthquake. Earthquake parameters were obtained for five different earthquake stations which were closer to the epicentre. Horizontal and vertical design spectra were obtained for the geographic locations for each earthquake station. The obtained spectra for the earthquake epicentre were compared with selected appropriate attenuation relationships. The damages after earthquake were evaluated via geotechnical and structural aspects. This study also aims to investigate the cause-effect relationships between structural damage in reinforced-concrete and masonry structures, respectively. The lack of engineering services was effective on the amount of damage in masonry structures. Insufficient reinforcement and concrete strength, dimensions and inadequate detailing increased the amount of damage in reinforced-concrete structures. Importance should be given to negative parameters that may weaken the defence mechanisms of structures for earthquake-resistant structural design.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.331-343
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• 2022

Masonry structures are the most common structural systems that have been used almost all over the world from the earliest ages of history to the present day. These structural systems are often unfavorably affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes. The main reason for this is that they are built without sufficient engineering knowledge. On January 24, 2020, a severe earthquake occurred near the Sivrice District of Elazığ in eastern Turkey. According to the Turkish Directorate of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD), the magnitude of the earthquake was 6.8 and the focal depth 8 km. This earthquake caused damage and destruction to the masonry structures used extensively in the region. The Hacı Yusuf Taş (new) mosque in the Malatya city center, located about 64 km from the epicenter of the earthquake, was among the buildings affected by the earthquake. The mosque has smooth-cut stone walls and domes made of brick units. The main dome of the structure was severely damaged during the earthquake. In this study, information about the earthquake is first provided, and the damage to the mosque is then interpreted via photographs. In addition, two separate finite element models were produced, where the current state of mosque and solution suggestions are presented, and response spectrum analyses were carried out. According to these analyses and field observations, a buttress system to the main walls of the structure should be constructed in the direction which has little lateral rigidity.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.231-243
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• 2022

The earthquake with a magnitude of Mw 6.8, which occurred on January 24, 2020, hit Sivrice (Elazığ) province of Turkey. The earthquake area takes place on the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ) located between the Arabian and Turkish plates, one of the most active seismic regions in Turkey. According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Turkey (AFAD), 584 buildings collapsed, 6845 were heavily damaged, 1207 were moderately damaged, and 14389 were slightly damaged. The authors went to the region of earthquake after the mainshock to investigate the earthquake performances of masonry buildings. This paper presents the seismological aspects of the earthquake, acceleration records, and response spectra with different damping ratios. Furthermore, some typical damages and failure mechanisms on masonry buildings like rubble stone dwellings and minarets are discussed with illustrative photos. Although many major earthquakes have occurred in the region, similar mistakes are still being made in masonry building construction. In consequence, some suggestions viewpoint of the wooden tie beams, the corner details of masonry walls, the door and window openings, the metal fasteners and the earthquake codes are made to be more careful in masonry constructions at the end of the article.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.325-335
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• 2021

The majority of Turkey's geography is at risk of earthquakes. Within the borders of Turkey, including the two major active faults contain the North-Eastern and Eastern Anatolia, earthquake, threatening the safety of life and property. On January 24, 2020, an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 occurred at 8:55 p.m. local time. According to the data obtained from the stations in the region, peak ground acceleration in the east-west direction was measured as 0.292 g from the 2308 coded station in Sivrice. It is thought that the earthquake with a magnitude of Mw 6.8 was developed on the Sivrice-Puturge segment of the Eastern Anatolian Fault, which is a left lateral strike slip fault, and the tear developed in an area of 50-55 km. Aftershocks ranging from 0.8 to 5.1 Mw occurred following the main shock on the Eastern Anatolian Fault. The earthquake caused severe structural damages in Elazığ and neighboring provinces. As a result of the field investigations carried out in this study, significant damage levels were observed in the buildings since it did not meet the criteria in the earthquake codes. Within the study's scope, the structural damage cases in reinforced concrete and masonry structures were investigated. Many structural deficiencies and mistakes such as non-ductile details, poor concrete quality, short columns, strong beams-weak columns mechanism, large and heavy overhangs, masonry building damages and inadequate reinforcement arrangements were observed. Requirements of seismic codes are discussed and compared with observed earthquake damage.