Prof. Dr. Ertaç Ergüven and Architect Erkan Kayışlıgil provided information about Yeditepe University's earthquake resistance.
The buildings of Yeditepe University were designed, planned, and constructed to be highly earthquake-resistant, in accordance with the 1998 earthquake regulations, by competent experts in the field. Prior to commencing construction, a thorough ground study was conducted in collaboration with Turkey's leading geotechnical firm, and the university's construction was carried out in collaboration with the best site engineers. Just as with all structural components, the design values for the steel reinforcements were maintained at the highest level, and the project was executed without deviating from these values.
In 2018, the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) requested that all universities determine whether their buildings were in compliance with earthquake regulations. We conducted performance analyses of our buildings. Over the years, by conducting regular maintenance and control work, we ensure their reliability without allowing any deterioration. We determine and examine the geometric dimensions of columns and beams in the buildings. We take samples, perform scraping processes, and inspect other reinforcements as well. For each building on the university campus, we carry out a separate "design earthquake" analysis based on its latitude and longitude. We transfer the obtained information to a computer environment. Using the most widely accepted engineering software in the field, we obtain results regarding the adequacy of the buildings. Based on earthquake level calculations, we perform our calculations according to the highest probability and strongest earthquake levels, known as DD1 and DD3, which are representative of the most severe earthquake scenarios and frequent seismic activity, respectively. In all the buildings we examined, we achieve performance that matches the highest earthquake resistance levels. We also report these studies to Istanbul Technical University and obtain their approval.
Post-Earthquake Debriefing 1: What Are We Going Through?
Recently, the twin earthquakes in Turkey have affected the whole country at different levels, starting with the primary area of the disaster. Our responses to the devastating quakes vary depending on persons and their experiences. Assist. Prof. Seray Akça from the Department of Psychology is informing us about the psychological reactions in the aftermath of this natural calamities. This first episode is an output of our initial efforts in terms of psycho-social support and will be followed by informative videos focusing on different aspects of the process.
Post-Earthquake Debriefing 2: Child and Adult Communication
The second episode of our psycho-social support videos is focusing on Post-Disaster Communication among Children and Adults. Assist. Prof. Burcu Ünlütabak from the Department of Psychology is answering pivotal questions regarding communication in the aftermath of natural calamities; i.e. how to explain natural disasters to children, how to share anxiety and precautionary concerns with children from different age groups. In the coming days, we will continue our videos centering on different aspects of the process.
Post-Earthquake Debriefing 3: Mental Well-Being of Children and Adolescents
The third episode of our post-earthquake psycho-social support videos is focusing on the Mental Well-being of Children and Adolescents. Assoc. Prof. Oğuzhan Zahmacıoğlu from Yeditepe University Hospital’s Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health gives us valuable information regarding the traumas we have recently encountered and on how can we support children and adolescents from different age groups tackle the effects of trauma. In the coming days, we will continue our videos focusing on different aspects of the pre and post disaster processes.