The Izmir Metropolitan Municipality has reached an important stage in microzonation studies that reveal the soil structure of Bornova district in detail as a vital step towards increasing the city's earthquake resistance. A large area of 7 hectares in the district was meticulously divided into 12 small parcels (grids) and examined. During this comprehensive study, expert teams collected soil samples by drilling at a depth of 1543 meters. 44 of the collected samples were subjected to detailed analysis in a laboratory environment. With the completion of these scientific studies carried out with a multi-faceted approach from landslide risk to the dynamic structure of active fault lines, it will become clear how and in which direction Izmir will grow in the future, which regions are risky and the engineering studies that need to be carried out in these risky regions. This valuable data will provide a critical roadmap for the sustainable and safe development of the city.
Earthquake-Resistant City Vision: Bornova Microzonation Studies Are Being Completed
The studies carried out under the leadership of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Affairs Department and aiming to increase the city’s resilience against possible earthquakes continue unabated. In this context, within the scope of risk reduction projects, active fault lines both on land and at sea are being examined in detail, and the possible behavior of existing structures during an earthquake is being investigated using scientific methods. The microzonation studies initiated in Bornova, one of the districts most affected by the 2020 Izmir earthquake, constitute a critical part of this important process. Thanks to these studies, the complex ground structure of Bornova is revealed in full detail, aiming to create a reliable scientific basis for future construction and urban transformation projects.
Meticulous Study and Analysis of Thousands of Samples
The microzonation studies carried out in Bornova district cover a very large area. A huge area of 7 hectares was meticulously examined by expert teams in 12 small parcels (grids). During this detailed examination process, 1543 research pits and 58 boreholes were opened. A total of 1290 meters of drilling was carried out underground and a large number of soil samples were collected. 44 thousand of these valuable samples were subjected to detailed soil mechanics and rock mechanics tests by geological engineers in modern laboratories. Thanks to these analyses, the strength of Bornova's soil structure, bearing capacity, liquefaction potential and other engineering features are revealed with scientific data.
Information About the Works from Geological Engineer Pelin Çal
Pelin Çal, a geology engineer working at the Disaster Affairs Department, provided important information about the comprehensive studies launched to examine Bornova’s ground structure. Çal stated that the teams meticulously scanned approximately 98 percent of the district area and said, “We took many samples from below the ground. We evaluate these samples separately as rock and soil. Soil mechanics tests are performed on soil samples in the laboratory, and rock mechanics tests are performed on rock samples. As a result of these detailed analyses, the strength of the ground is determined with scientific data.”
“We Obtain Vital Data That Will Shape the Future of Izmir”
Pelin Çal emphasized that microzonation studies reveal the disaster structure and settlement suitability of an area in great detail. “As the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, when the disaster risk reduction studies that we continue to focus on soil and structure are completed, what needs to be done to increase our urban resilience will become clear. We will obtain important data that will shape the future of İzmir, such as spatial planning, urban transformation and improvement. Following our studies, we will also obtain data on how and in which direction our city will grow, which areas are risky, and the engineering parameters that need to be done in risky areas. Making İzmir a city that is strong against disasters is one of our most important goals,” Çal said, indicating that microzonation studies are of vital importance for İzmir’s future urban development strategies and will contribute significantly to the goals of carrying the city to a safer future.
Bornova Basin Model is Being Created
The rich sample archive obtained from numerous drilling wells opened for geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological purposes in Bornova district is being meticulously examined in laboratories. Thanks to these comprehensive analyses, a scientific model is being created that will address the Bornova Basin as a whole and determine the weak and qualified soil layers of the region in detail. This valuable modeling data to be obtained will include critical information that will directly affect construction and will allow the clarification of solid grounds in order to build cities where people can live safely in Izmir. In this way, it is aimed to minimize earthquake risk by applying engineering solutions suitable for ground characteristics in future construction projects.
Microzonation Studies KarşıyakaTo be continued in
The Izmir Metropolitan Municipality's earthquake risk reduction efforts will not be limited to Bornova. Following the completion of microzonation studies in Bornova, similar comprehensive studies Karşıyaka will also be launched in the district. KarşıyakaAfter , Konak, Bayraklı and Narlıdere districts, microzonation studies will also be carried out. In order to make İzmir safer and more resilient against natural disasters, microzonation studies covering the entire city will be meticulously completed in stages in 11 central districts determined as a priority. This strategic approach shows that a long-term and comprehensive plan has been put into practice to ensure earthquake safety throughout İzmir.
Access to Reliable Information with Building Identity Document
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is also taking important steps within the scope of building stock studies. Bornova and Bayraklı A detailed inventory of approximately 100 thousand buildings in the districts was prepared. Thanks to this comprehensive study, the possible behavior of existing buildings during an earthquake was determined using scientific methods, and a “building identity document” was created that included all technical information about each building. These documents include critical information such as the structural features of the buildings, the materials used, the year of construction and the renovations they have undergone. The building inventory studies will be carried out within 2025. Karşıyaka will continue for 22 houses in the district. When these studies are completed, a comprehensive and reliable database will have been created about Izmir's building stock, which will allow for more conscious planning of urban transformation and risk management strategies.
Tsunami Hazard Analysis Modeling Completed
In addition to the building inventory and microzonation survey studies, the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is also meticulously continuing the “Izmir Province Seismicity Research Project” carried out in a 100-kilometer radius area taking the Izmir city center as reference. When this important project, which examines the active fault lines in the sea and on land in detail, is completed, concrete and scientific information will be obtained regarding the possible magnitude of earthquakes that Izmir may face in the future, how much these earthquakes will affect the structures (earthquake acceleration), whether earthquakes pose a risk of surface faulting, and possible tsunami scenarios that may occur in coastal areas. The Metropolitan Municipality has also completed a comprehensive hazard analysis modeling against tsunami events. Thanks to this modeling, the effects of possible tsunami floods were calculated in detail for Izmir’s 600-kilometer long coastline and all districts adjacent to the coast. These studies clearly demonstrate Izmir’s determination to be prepared for natural disasters and to minimize risks.
