Attention Must Be Paid To The Quality Of Construction Materials When Buying Houses, In Order To Safeguard Against Earthquakes

Turkish Cement Manufacturers' Association (TÇMB) has warned about the fact that the ‘quality and security’ factor must be prioritized for both builders and purchasers of houses in Turkey that is situated on an earthquake zone. It suggests that especially schools, hospitals, and dormitories are to be built through the gross concrete technique.  

66% of Turkey is included in an earthquake zone according to the data of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. Experts say readiness for earthquakes is necessary at all times, due to the fact that Turkey is a country situated in an earthquake zone. This first brings the question of “How safe are our structures?” to minds.  

Turkish Cement Manufacturers' Association (TÇMB) has warned about the fact that the ‘quality and security’ factor must be prioritized for both builders and purchasers of houses in Turkey that is situated on an earthquake zone. TÇMB has also reminded the importance of safe structures and the fact that earthquake-resistant gross structures will provide strength against earthquakes in order not the experience the same losses again.  

The statement made from TÇMB points out that the implementation of safe design and construction techniques is important regardless of the costs when constructing buildings in earthquake zones. Attention must be paid to the quality of concrete that is one of the materials of such safety. TÇMB representatives suggested that structures built through the gross concrete technique must be increased especially in schools, hospitals, and dormitories and underlined the fact that we can assure our future against earthquakes thanks to it.  

TÇMB warned contractors in terms of using building materials that comply with the standards and that have quality and recommended consumers to acquire information in terms of the quality of building materials when purchasing houses.  

In his statement regarding the issue, Dr. Tamer Saka, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TÇMB, said, “Structural members must be manufactured in a seamless manner in the gross concrete technique as no plaster or painting is applied on reinforced-concrete sections; in other words, as they do not wear any makeup. It is thought that shouldering a high additional cost is necessary to construct safer buildings. On the other hand, cement’s share in a construction cost is between 3-3,5 percent. With such a minor impact on cost, cement has hundred-percent importance in creating safe buildings.  

Such structures can be used as shelters in earthquakes. It is necessary to remember that the factors like the foundation of the respective structure, its design, and sturdiness of the material used are important in terms of endurance against the power of an earthquake. In constructions, concrete quality must be of substantial importance.”