MAPEI, which has been specializing in building reinforcement products for decades in seismic regions such as Italy, and has carried out successful building reinforcement projects in Turkey with its products, is in the position of the world leader in the production of adhesives and complementary products with its 86 years of experience.
Structural reinforcement is a fast, green and less costly alternative
Selman Tarmur, General Manager of MAPEI Turkey, gave information about the measures to be taken in buildings against earthquakes, building reinforcement works, road maps to be followed against earthquakes and issues to be considered, which are on the agenda of our country.
Gaziantep-Kahramanmaraş earthquakes affected our whole country deeply as disasters in which many negative events were experienced together.
Selman Tarmur, General Manager of MAPEI Turkey, stated that two very strong earthquakes happened one after the other, the earthquake occurred at night and more than 8 aftershocks caused a major disaster and continued his words as follows: caused it to collapse in the next period. Our most important issue in the face of this disaster we are experiencing as a country is to get the region back on its feet and heal the wounds. Another issue we need to pay attention to is realizing that Turkey is a country on an earthquake zone and deciding on the road map to be followed in other regions.”
Solutions should be approached from a holistic perspective
Pointing out that we are racing against time and that almost every part of our country is in an earthquake zone, MAPEI Turkey General Manager Selman Tarmur made statements about what we should do in the upcoming period:
“We are expecting a very big earthquake in the Marmara region. With such crowded cities and so many buildings, it is vital that we be fast. While taking precautions against earthquakes, it will not be enough to solve the problems of the buildings alone. There are many elements such as viaducts, highways, tunnels, subways, public buildings that we need to pay attention to. Even if you do not strengthen one of these elements in structural strengthening works, the works will be left unfinished. For this reason, it is necessary to look at the solutions holistically.”
The fastest alternative: Structural reinforcement
MAPEI Turkey General Manager Selman Tarmur, who emphasized that the fastest solution against expected earthquakes is structural reinforcement works, gave information about structural reinforcement:
“It takes 1,5-2 years to demolish and rebuild a building. In this respect, you can complete the structural reinforcement at different times, such as 3 to 6 months, depending on the condition of the building. There are such buildings that even when you only strengthen the basement, they can become earthquake resistant. For this reason, there are many buildings that can be strengthened in a very short time. Even if buildings are large, structural reinforcement is a much shorter alternative to demolition and rebuilding. When we look at the financial part of the business, we can cost less. Another issue is that structural reinforcement does not create environmental pollution. Because when you demolish and rebuild, the problem of rubble also arises. These should also be taken into account.”
Roadmap to follow
Mentioning that decision makers and individuals have separate responsibilities in the next process, MAPEI Turkey General Manager Selman Tarmur explained the roadmap to be followed as follows:
The structures that we need to find solutions against earthquakes are not just buildings. We are talking about whole cities, even regions. Buildings, residences, public buildings, hospitals, highways, viaducts, tunnels, overpasses… Considering all of them, our focus needs to be broad. This part concerns decision makers and local governments.
Another issue is that we need to have an analysis done for our buildings. We need to get our building checked. We can get help from the municipality, we can apply to the municipality. Or we can invite companies in the private sector and have our building overhauled. If we have a building suitable for structural reinforcement in line with the report to be issued as a result of this analysis, we can start this work in line with the decision we will make as the residents of the apartment. After taking this decision, the bureaucratic part of the job comes into play, permits such as licenses must be obtained from the municipality. It is very important that these processes are as fast as possible. The next process is; it proceeds in the form of physically making an application project such as where the building will be strengthened, how it will be strengthened, which materials will be selected and where, and delivered to the residents of the apartment.
Structural reinforcement is a very good alternative, a quick solution. Of course, urban transformation works should also continue. Since we are racing against time, we need to evaluate all alternatives and be fast.