2011 Van Earthquakes: Design vs Construction

Abstract

In this study, differences in design projects and the construction practice of 146 RC buildings experienced 2011 Van earthquakes are compared in the light of earthquake resistant design codes published in 1975, 1997 and 2007. Comparisons include reinforcing details, concrete strength, properties and amount of vertical load carrying members and general building properties. Although the deficiencies in the design projects decreased with the improvement of the capabilities of design software, no improvement was seen at the site. It is seen that details of ties in the design projects started to obey the rules given in the earthquake resistant design codes, but same development was not seen at the site. In addition, improvement in the concrete technology was not able to speed up the concrete quality. The slow improvement in concrete quality and the increased number of stories in the buildings made load carrying members vulnerable under axial load and shear forces.