Probabilistic estimation of inelastic displacement demands in soil–structure interaction systems on cohesive soils

Inelastic displacement ratios (IDRs) of nonlinear soil–structure interaction (SSI) systems located at sites with cohesive soils are investigated in this study. To capture the effects of inelastic cyclic behavior of the supporting soil, the Beam on Nonlinear Winkler Foundation (BNWF) model is used. The superstructure is modeled using an inelastic single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system model. Nonlinear SSI systems representing various combinations of unconfined compressive strengths and shear wave velocities are considered in the analysis. A set of strong ground motions recorded at sites with soft to stiff soils is used for considering the record-to-record variability of IDRs. It is observed that IDRs for nonlinear SSI systems are sensitive to the strength and the stiffness properties of both the soil and the structure. For the case of SSI systems on the top of cohesive soils, the compressive strength of the soil has a significant impact on the IDRs, which cannot be captured by considering only the shear wave velocity of the soil. Based on the results of nonlinear time-history analysis, a new equation is proposed for estimating the mean and the dispersion of IDRs of SSI systems depending on the characteristic properties of the supporting soil, dimensions of the foundation, and properties of the superstructure. A probabilistic framework is presented for the performance-based seismic design of SSI systems located at sites with cohesive soils.     

Development of an aftershock occurrence model calibrated for Turkey and the resulting likelihoods

This paper presents the calibration of Omori's aftershock occurrence rate model for Turkey and the resulting likelihoods. Aftershock occurrence rate models are used for estimating the probability of an aftershock that exceeds a specific magnitude threshold within a time interval after the mainshock. Critical decisions on the post-earthquake safety of structures directly depend on the aftershock hazard estimated using the occurrence model. It is customary to calibrate models in a region-specific manner. These models depend on rate parameters(a, b, c and p) related to the seismicity characteristics of the investigated region. In this study, the available well-recorded aftershock sequences for a set of Mw ≥ 5.9 mainshock events that were observed in Turkey until 2012 are considered to develop the aftershock occurrence model. Mean estimates of the model parameters identified for Turkey are a =-1.90, b = 1.11, c = 0.05 and p = 1.20. Based on the developed model, aftershock likelihoods are computed for a range of different time intervals and mainshock magnitudes. Also, the sensitivity of aftershock probabilities to the model parameters is investigated. Aftershock occurrence probabilities estimated using the model are expected to be useful for post-earthquake safety evaluations in Turkey.     

Seismic performance of buildings during 2011 Van earthquakes and rebuilding efforts

The October 23, 2011 M7.2 Tabanli- Van and November 9, 2011 M5.2 Edremit – Van earthquakes caused damage in a widespread area across the Van province in Turkey. The ground motions, the damage caused by these earthquakes and the recent progress related to recovery efforts are presented herein. First, the key properties of the recorded strong ground motions like spectral amplitudes and directionality are evaluated. The observed damage in the affected reinforced concrete and masonry structures are discussed. The set of common structural damage mechanisms(i.e., soft story failure, torsional response due to plan irregularity, short column failure, pull out failure, pounding) observed in the damaged buildings were identified. The relationship between the key structural properties and the extent of damage is investigated. The primary loss drivers across the region were identified to be the poor quality of workmanship and improper use of building materials. The results from the investigation suggest that a large portion of the loss could have been prevented if sufficient attention and care were given to the implementation of the design regulations and in particular to the construction practice. Lastly, the recent progress in the ongoing rebuilding activities is presented.     

Design energy input spectra for high seismicity regions based on Turkish registers

This work proposes design energy spectra in terms of an equivalent velocity, intended for regions with design peak acceleration 0.3 g or higher. These spectra were derived through linear and nonlinear dynamic analyses on a number of selected Turkish strong ground motion records. In the long and mid period ranges the analyses are linear, given the relative insensitivity of the spectra to structural parameters other than the fundamental period; conversely, in the short period range, the spectra are more sensitive to the structural parameters and, hence, nonlinear analyses are required. The selected records are classified in eight groups with respect to soil type (stiff or soft soil), the severity of the earthquake in terms of surface magnitude $M _\mathrm{s} (M_\mathrm{s} \le $ 5.5 and $M _\mathrm{s} >$ 5.5) and the relevance of the near-source effects (impulsive or vibratory). For each of these groups, median and characteristic spectra are proposed; such levels would respectively correspond to 50 and 95 % percentiles. These spectra have an initial linear growing branch in the short period range, a horizontal branch in the mid period range and a descending branch in the long period range. Empirical criteria for estimating the hysteretic energy from the input energy are suggested. The proposed design spectra are compared with those obtained from other studies.     

Post‐earthquake damage assessment using residual displacements

This paper presents a new, improved, post‐earthquake damage assessment method that takes into account residual deformations attained by the damaged structure during the earthquake. Local and global residual deformations and visual damage indicators are considered to estimate the maximum deformations experienced by the structure. As a particular development, the method allows measured displacements and rotations to be considered jointly. Uncertainties associated with both the excitation and the damaged structure are explicitly accounted for. The resulting maximum displacement estimates allow a more accurate evaluation of the extent of structural damage when judging the usability/reparability of the investigated structure. A trial application of the method to a real structure tested on a shaking table is presented. The results confirm the capability of the method to estimate the maximum displacement and the residual stiffness of the damaged structure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spatial Variation of the Precipitation Chemistry in the Thrace Region of Turkey

Pollutants affect not only the environment in which they originate since they are also transported by air currents to other locations. For this reason, air pollution is a global problem for all countries and the air and water quality need to be monitored carefully. More information on precipitation chemistry is required to determine the source of pollution as well as its effects on the ecosystems. In this study, precipitation chemistry has been analyzed for the first time by using simple bulk collectors located at four different sites in Northwest Turkey for a period of two years. About 650 sequential rainwater samples were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, anions such as , , Cl^?, and cations such as Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and . The selected sites were under the effect of different environmental factors. Our results showed that the highest and concentrations were measured in the Northwest of the research area. Additionally, it has been found that Ca²⁺ ions are abundant within all rainwater samples.