Pointing out that a model should be developed to strengthen the roles of public engineers in critical areas such as disaster management and building inspection, Mümin Güler, Chairman of Engineer Tek-Sen Energy Union, emphasizes that disasters can be combated if the education and competency levels of engineers are increased.
Engineer Tek-Sen Energy Union, which is the voice of public engineers and technical personnel, once again reiterated the precautions that should be taken against disasters on the anniversary of the February 6 earthquakes. Mümin Güler, Chairman of Engineer Tek-Sen Energy, said that the all-out fight against earthquakes should be carried out by taking into account international engineering standards, the mission of protecting human life, building inspection processes, strengthening the roles of public engineers and all reconstruction processes, and pointed out that Turkey cannot tolerate the slightest loss of time on this issue.
“Existing buildings are not safe against earthquakes either”
“Earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş; Mümin Güler said, “It has once again revealed that structures must be earthquake resistant, designed and strengthened in accordance with current earthquake regulations.” Additionally, the flexibility of structures against earthquakes should be increased and techniques such as seismic isolation should be used. Strengthening old buildings is also of great importance because existing structures are not safe against earthquakes. “After identifying weak buildings, whether public, private or legal, in the existing building stock, we must demolish them and strengthen those that can be strengthened.”
“Urban transformation projects are often carried out in a hurry.”
Stating that the theoretical adequacy of the standards in the field of civil engineering and building safety in Turkey cannot be fully achieved in practice, Güler said, “Although important legislation such as the earthquake regulation is up-to-date, there may be inadequacies in the reinforcement and implementation of old buildings. Lack of supervision during construction processes negatively affects the compliance of buildings with standards. Ground investigation and geotechnical investigations are not taken into account sufficiently, which can pose great risks. Additionally, it is important for civil engineers and other relevant professionals to receive ongoing training and to raise public awareness about building safety. Urban transformation projects are often carried out in a hurry and without taking adequate safety precautions. Finally, the quality of materials used in the construction industry needs to be increased and compliance with standards must be inspected. “Improvements to be made in these areas will allow safer and more durable structures to be built,” he said.
Engineers demand a working environment where they can maintain their independence
According to Güler, who draws attention to the fact that the mission of protecting human life should be at the core of engineering projects from the design stage onwards, elements such as structures being resistant to earthquakes, problems that may arise in electrical systems, fire and other hazards, and considering environmental and social impacts are a part of this mission. Expressing that strengthening the roles of public engineers, especially in critical areas such as disaster management and building inspection, is of great importance, Güler continued his words as follows: “While a model is being developed to strengthen the roles of public engineers in critical areas such as disaster management and building inspection, the education and competence levels of engineers must first be increased. In this direction, certification programs should be created where engineers can receive continuous training and specialize in issues such as disaster management and building inspection. In addition, a working environment should be provided where engineers can maintain their independence, and legal regulations should be strengthened so that they can perform their duties impartially.”