Being Prepared for Earthquake Hazard: Institutions and Organizations Performing Building Robustness and Earthquake Resistance Tests

What is Building Robustness Testing and What Does It Cover?

Building strength test is a test to provide information about the durability and safety of buildings. These tests are done to measure the earthquake resistance of structures, how they behave in wind, fire and other natural disasters. They can also be used to detect structural problems and defects in structures.

Elements covered by building strength tests include the building foundation, structural members, building materials and structural systems. In addition, building functionality, fire safety, energy efficiency and landscaping are also tested.

How is Building Stability Test Performed?

The most common methods include structural analysis, materials testing, lab testing, field testing, and performance testing.

Structural analysis is used to evaluate the durability and safety of a building while materials testing is done to provide information about the durability and safety of building materials. Laboratory tests are carried out in a laboratory environment to measure the properties of building materials. Field tests are performed under real building conditions and are used to detect cracks in the building foundation, structural damage, material defects and other structural problems. Performance tests are used to measure how buildings perform under certain scenarios (eg earthquake, wind, fire, flood, etc.).

Building strength tests are usually performed by licensed structural engineers or specially trained strength testing specialists. These professionals need to be experts in building plans, structural calculations and properties of building materials. These tests are usually done by building owners, businesses or managers and are done to provide a safe environment for building occupants, employees or visitors.

What is Earthquake Endurance Test and What Does It Cover?

Earthquake endurance test is a test to determine the behavior and structural performance of buildings during earthquakes. These tests measure how strong the design and structural members of buildings are, how they resist potential earthquakes, and how safe they are for their residents.

It encompasses elements such as the building foundation, structural members, building materials and structural systems. In addition, the functionality of the structures, fire safety, energy efficiency and landscaping are also tested.

How is Earthquake Endurance Test Performed?

Earthquake endurance testing is done by subjecting the building to an earthquake simulation. This simulation is based on the design features of the building and its geographic location in the earthquake zone. The test considers all structural features, from the quality of the concrete in the foundation of the building to the roofing. Earthquake endurance testing uses sensors and other devices to measure the building's movements during an earthquake.

It's usually done in two different ways:

Static Test: This test is done by applying a known load on the building. The durability of the building is measured according to the effects of the load.
Dynamic Test: This test is performed by giving vibrations to the building. The vibration response of the building is measured and how long it can withstand during an earthquake is determined.
Test results can be used by building owners and engineers to identify changes that need to be made to the building. These changes can be made to make the building more durable during an earthquake.

Organizations Performing Building Robustness and Earthquake Resistance Tests in Turkey

You can reach the "Detection of Risky Buildings within the Scope of Law No. 6306 and Authorized Institutions and Organizations", which is affiliated to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, General Directorate of Infrastructure and Urban Transformation Services, from the link below.
Here you can see the institutions that carry out building strength tests and earthquake resistance tests under the heading of risky structure detection in your city:

https://altyapi.csb.gov.tr/riskli-yapi-tespiti-ile-ille-kuruluslar 

These institutions and organizations carry out the identification, evaluation, repair and demolition of risky structures.

As we mentioned, you can have this test done by applying to the institutions and organizations determined by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. In addition, you can browse the following organizations for information.

• Municipalities: For example, Istanbul Municipality has formed special teams to assist citizens who want to have a building strength and earthquake resistance test done. These teams go to the designated addresses and perform earthquake resistance tests. This service, determined by the municipality, is offered free of charge. Website: http://www.ibb.gov.tr 
  Municipalities of other provinces also provide similar services.
• TMMOB Chamber of Civil Engineers: An institution where you can get information about civil engineers who perform earthquake resistance tests throughout Turkey. Website: http://www.imo.org.tr 
• AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency): It is an institution where you can get information about buildings that have undergone earthquake resistance tests throughout Turkey. Website: http://www.afad.gov.tr 

The above local municipalities and companies can be a starting point for those who want to do earthquake resistance testing. When you want to do earthquake resistance or building strength testing, it is primarily important for the effects to the local chamber of civil engineers or relevant local facilities.

The point you need to pay attention to is to make sure that the addresses of these companies are up-to-date. You can get detailed information about the building strength testing service on their website, and discuss pricing and other issues.

Building strength test and earthquake resistance test are of great importance. These tests provide many benefits such as building safety, prevention of loss of life, reduction of economic losses, and reduction of maintenance costs.