February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaras twin earthquakes: Evaluation of ground motions and seismic performance of buildings for Elazig, southeast of Turkiye

Abstract

On February 6, 2023, two strong earthquakes, magnitude (M-w) 7.7 and 7.6, occurred 9 h apart on the East Anatolian Fault Zone in Turkiye. These devastating earthquakes directly affected a region of southeastern Turkiye, where approximately 15 million people live and caused severe destruction of structures. Unfortunately, more than 50.000 people lost their lives as a result. The study presented the tectonic structure of Elazig, one of the provinces affected by these earthquakes, in detail. Then, the general seismic characteristics of the main shock. Additionally, the geological structure, existing building stock, and seismicity of Elazig province are given. Furthermore, the damages, deficiencies, misapplications and defects, and lack of engineering services and supervision seen in the building stocks due to the field investigation are presented and discussed in detail. Finally, some suggestions were made to prevent all these damages, to observe deficiencies/misapplications, and to take precautions for existing damaged buildings.