READY MIXED CONCRETE AND EARTHQUAKE

WHAT IS EARTHQUAKE? The sudden vibrations originating from fractures in the earth spread around in waves and cause the earth to quake. We call this act of vibrations the earthquake.  

The earthquakes that occur in Turkey are mostly tectonic earthquakes.  

Earthquake is a natural disaster that cannot be prevented as of today but whose damage (loss of life and property) can be minimised by the necessary precautions taken. The use of READY MIXED CONCRETE as concrete is one of the most important precautions that constitute the basic construction material used in constructions. Because ready mixed concrete is the basic construction material produced in modern facilities in conformity with the standards and also controlled by inspections carried out before and after dumping.  

92 % of the land in our country and 98 % of the living population are under earthquake risk. But we have to consider that we are obliged to live in this country. That is why we have to learn to live together with the EARTHQUAKE monster.  

There are points that engineers and citizens have to take into consideration so as to avoid the destructive effect of earthquake. It is very important that in order to decrease the damages of earthquakes, those who construct houses, draw projects and those who carry the responsibility should be very observant of the rules of the contracts and related legislation. Use of ready mixed concrete at the constructions is the most important factor that minimises the damage.  

Important rules to be taken into consideration at the moment of earthquakes

In multi storey building the upper floors vibrate more than the lower ones. If these buildings are constructed according to the Earthquake Directive they do not carry the danger of breakdown.

• If the earthquake happens during sleep and if it would be difficult to get up, then go under the mattress.  
• Go under the table and cover your head with your hands,
• Turn off the apparatus that operate with gas and electricity.
• Pull off the plugs from the sockets,
• Try to provide safety for the babies and the elders,
• Keep the fire stairs doors open,
• Do not use the elevator while evacuating the building; if you are in an elevator press all the bottoms and step out at the first floor,
• Try to stand by the big columns. Stay away from shelves and cupboards.
• Do not run to fire exits, stairs and escalators,
• Immediately run away from buildings, if there is a wide road and if the traffic is not heavy run to the traffic island in the middle of the road and stay there,
• Keep away from display windows and shelves,
• If you are driving, slow down, drive near to the right and stop the engine.  

The Points the Citizens should pay Attention to while Making Houses

• Make sure that the construction site is in the zoning area.
• Before starting the construction secure that the static-reinforcement projects are made by a civil engineer.  
• Make sure that the projects have been ratified by the Chamber of Civil Engineers.
• Make sure that the craftsmen who are going construct your building are experienced and able to read and understand the projects prepared by civil engineers.  
• During application of your project by the craftsmen secure that a civil engineer controls the works.  
• Pay attention that the material used in the construction carry TSE marks (including construction iron and cement).  
• If you do not have projects and a control engineer then all the above listed items loose validity and there is no way you can build up an earthquake safe building.  
• If you want to survive an earthquake, you must abide the above listed rules.
• Meet the civil engineers before the earthquake not after.

The Issues to Pay Attention to by Citizens who are going to but Ready Houses

• Make sure that the house you are going to buy has a project and licence.
• Pay the same attention you show to the tiles and ceramics to the load-bearing system (columns, girder flooring).  
• Make sure that the building contractor of your house is a man who works in conformity with projects and standards.
• Ask for information about the construction stages of house you are going to invest from the related bodies. (Municipality - Chamber of Civil Engineers)
• If you are going to buy a house by way of a building society make sure that a civil engineer confirms during construction that the reinforced concrete carcass (the skeleton of the building) system is in conformity with the projects and the concrete/ iron materials are qualified.

MEET CIVIL ENGINEERS BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE,
NOT AFTER.

HOW TO BEHAVE AT EARTHQUAKES? How to behave during an earthquake when you are at home, at work, in high buildings, in megastores, at the roads or in open areas, in the underground markets, in trains and undergrounds, in pedestrian overpasses, in highways, in stadiums, at the seaside, by the river banks and by dams? PDF FILE SIZE 5.80mb