Effects of Transverse Reinforcement Detailing on the Damage Mechanisms of RC Elements: Lessons from the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes
Buildings, cilt.16, sa.14, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 16 Sayı: 14
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3390/buildings16142897
- Dergi Adı: Buildings
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source, Avery, Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: earthquake, Kahramanmaraş, RC, reinforcement, structural integrity
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The twin earthquakes (Mw = 7.7 and Mw = 7.6) that struck Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023 caused severe damage to reinforced concrete (RC) buildings in southeastern Türkiye. Field observations showed that concrete quality and transverse reinforcement details have a major influence on the shear resistance of RC columns and beams. These factors also affect the fracture behaviour and structural integrity of the elements. The surveys revealed several common deficiencies. These included excessive transverse reinforcement spacing, insufficient bar diameters, inadequate hook details, low-quality materials, and poor workmanship. The lack of seismic design principles or their improper implementation further increased the level of damage observed in the buildings. In this study, reinforcement-induced failure in columns and beams was evaluated in detail and observationally in the context of seismic and structural engineering. The main novelty of this work is the direct integration of these in situ post-earthquake field assessments with comprehensive 3D non-linear static simulations of 20 distinct structural models. Variations in parameters such as tie spacing, rebar diameter, bend angle of hooks, and structural material strength were numerically investigated through these models. It was determined that mechanisms close to fracture occurred, especially in columns, owing to deficient concrete compressive strength and transverse reinforcement deficiencies. Findings show that an upgrade in column shear capacity of up to 10% is achievable by reducing the spacing from 300 mm to 200 mm, whereas the implementation of a 135° hook anchorage substantially restrains the buckling of longitudinal reinforcement. As a key practical contribution, this study also proposes a specific FRP retrofitting design that successfully restores the lost shear capacity in all deficient columns. This blended field-and-computational strategy offers actionable, data-backed guidance for engineering design, the optimization of building regulations, and the identification of rehabilitation priorities in highly active seismic zones.