Structural damage is the primary cause of injury and loss of life during earthquakes. Architects, engineers, and developers must ensure buildings are constructed with appropriate materials and design standards. Horizontal movements during earthquakes are particularly dangerous, as tall buildings are more resistant to vertical loads than horizontal ones.
Building structures to withstand seismic forces requires using materials with the right properties, and steel is the most widely used material for earthquake-resistant buildings. Ductile buildings, which can dissipate seismic energy, are safer. Steel is the most common material for ductile parts that can undergo plastic deformations without structural failure during an earthquake. Additionally, steel’s flexibility and low weight are advantages in seismic areas, as stiffer and heavier structures attract larger forces during earthquakes.
On 30 April 2024, constructsteel convened in Istanbul to promote the benefits of steel solutions for disaster prevention and restoration, focusing on steel’s role in seismic areas. This meeting built upon discussions from the constructsteel annual conference in Seoul on 26 September 2023.
The event gathered Turkish government officials from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change, including Deputy Minister Hasan Suver and General Director Banu Aslan, along with members of The Turkish Structural Steel Association (TUCSA) and Turkish Steel Producers Association (TÇÜD). Discussions highlighted steel’s significant role in rebuilding efforts following Türkiye’s recent earthquake, featuring presentations on post-disaster construction and preventive measures using steel solutions.
Deputy Minister Hasan Suver welcomed constructsteel members and attendees, acknowledged the lives lost in the 6 February 2023 earthquake, and detailed the state’s rebuilding efforts, including constructing steel structures. TUCSA President Mr. Gür’eş presented on earthquake perspectives and needs in Türkiye, leading to further discussions on post-disaster construction using steel solutions and preventive measures for future disasters. Participants engaged in technical and practical exchanges to address Türkiye’s earthquake-related needs and potential actions by constructsteel.
Banu Aslan summarized the earthquake losses, noting the construction of approximately 230,000 buildings, including 23,300 light steel village houses and around 400 mid-rise steel buildings (Source: TUCSA), highlighting the ongoing and increased use of steel structures. Constructsteel members expressed readiness to support Türkiye through knowledge exchange and bilateral meetings.
The meeting concluded with mutual satisfaction and plans for continued discussions to assist Türkiye in implementing steel solutions. Constructsteel announced the addition of its first members from the Republic of Türkiye: Çolakoğlu Metalurji A.Ş., marking a significant step in advancing steel’s role in the construction sector.
Steel remains the material of choice in seismic-prone areas.