The effect of the regular distribution of stiffness of vertical elements on the structure’s resistance to earthquakes From the effects of the earthquake February 6, 2023

Abstract

The earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, 06.02.2023, surprised the residents in the earthquake-affected areas, which extend from central Turkey to central Syria.
The earthquake has hit three shakes, the first was at 04.19 am on Monday 06.02.2023 in the Turkish province of Gaziantep. Its intensity was 7.8 according to the Richter scale. and the second at 01.25 pm on Monday 06.02.2023 in the Turkish province of Kahramanmaraş, its intensity was 7.5 according to the Richter scale. And the third at 08.25 pm on Monday,  20.02.2023 in the Turkish province of Hatay, its intensity was 6.8 according to the Richter scale. The researcher contributed to all measures to confront its effects in the governorates of Hama and Lattakia - Syria. The researcher presents a summary of his experience as an expert engineer in structural engineering and the design of facilities to resist earthquakes, and as a consultant engineer in the strengthening of structural constructions, and a summary of his experience in the past days in dealing with the effects of earthquakes. The researcher also presents scientific research on Some structures affected by the earthquake, explains the weaknesses in the structure that led to the damage, describes damage, and offers suggestions for maintenance method. The cases it provides are:

1. The irregular distribution of the vertical elements, which makes the structural whole structurally asymmetrical even though the building is architecturally symmetrical, which leads to horizontal torsion.
2. The beam with greater stiffness compared to the stiffness of the column to which it is based.
3. The vertical elements are unable to bear the horizontal loads.
4. The vertical elements are unable to bear the vertical loads.
Finally, the researcher presents some recommendations to avoid damage to buildings under the influence of similar earthquakes. Which may occur in the future.