Is Your Building Earthquake Safe? How Does the Earthquake Safety Assessment Process Work?

Following the earthquakes of February 6, 2023, building safety has become an urgent issue. So how can we determine if a building is earthquake-resistant, and what is the assessment process? This article examines the earthquake safety assessment process.

Why is evaluation important?

To ensure a building's earthquake safety, its current condition must first be inspected by experts. This assessment includes factors such as the building's structural characteristics, year of construction, materials used, and existing signs of damage or deterioration.

Preliminary Assessment: Expert Review

The process begins with an on-site inspection of the building by an expert architect or civil engineer. During this preliminary inspection:

• The building's architectural and structural plans (if any) are examined, and the year of construction is determined.

• Visible signs such as cracks, bending, and corrosion are detected in the load-bearing system.

• The building's overall structural characteristics (column-beam dimensions, number of floors, intended use) are evaluated.

In some cases, the expert can reach a sufficient conclusion about the structural condition of the building with this preliminary inspection and complete the assessment without the need for core testing . However, if precise data is required regarding the actual concrete strength and reinforcement condition of the building's load-bearing system, the next step is taken.

If a Core Sample Test is Required: Consult with the Property Owners

If the expert determines that a core sample test is necessary for a proper assessment, this should first be explained to the property owners – because a core sample test requires physical intervention (sampling) in the building and should not be carried out without the owners' knowledge/consent. During this meeting, the reasons for the test's necessity, how it will be conducted, and its potential impact on the building should be clearly explained.

How is a core sample test performed?

Core drilling is the process of taking small, cylindrical concrete samples (cores) from the load-bearing elements of a building (columns, beams, etc.) using a special drill. The process generally works as follows:

1. Determining Sampling Points: The expert selects representative column/beam points from different floors and areas of the building.

2. Core Sampling: Cylindrical concrete samples are extracted from these points using a special core drill (diamond-tipped drill). This process is carried out with careful engineering calculations to ensure that the load-bearing capacity of the element is not compromised.

3. Sample Repair: Holes from which samples were taken are repaired with suitable mortar/concrete.

4. Laboratory Testing: The core samples are sent to a laboratory where they undergo compressive strength testing to determine the concrete's true strength (in MPa).

5. Assessment: Laboratory results are evaluated together with other structural data of the building (reinforcement identification, soil conditions, etc.) to reach a final conclusion.

Conclusion

When conducted with the right expertise and methodology, earthquake safety assessments prevent both unnecessary interventions (core testing is not mandatory for every building) and incomplete evaluations. At DDD Real Estate, we provide the necessary technical review and expert coordination for this process.

If you would like information regarding the earthquake safety assessment of your building, please contact us.