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Factors affecting the greater damage in the Avcılar area of Istanbul during the 17 August 1999 Izmit earthquake

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Abstract

The 17 August 1999 earthquake at İzmit, Turkey was triggered by the North Anatolian Fault Zone. It resulted in widespread damage, particularly in Avcılar, in the European part of Istanbul and some 100 km from the epicentre. This paper reviews the geomorphology, geology, foundations and structures in the Avcılar area, in order to assess the main reasons for the extensive collapse of buildings. It is considered that the basinal structure of the area, the varying thicknesses of bedrock and the presence of secondary tear faults were important contributory factors. In addition, the poor quality of the construction meant the buildings were unable to accommodate ground motions.

Résume

Le déclenchement du séisme du 17 août 1999 à Ismit, en Turquie, est à mettre en relation avec la zone faillée nord-anatolienne. Il a causé des dégâts sur une zone étendue, en pariculier à Avcilar, dans la partie européenne d’Istanbul, à quelque cent kilomètres de l’épicentre. Cet article examine le contexte géomorphologique et géologique, ainsi que les conditions de fondation et les structures des ouvrages dans la région d’Avcilar afin de déterminer les principales causes de l’effondrement d’un si grand nombre de constructions. La structure en cuvette de la zone, l’épaisseur variable des formations et la présence de failles transversales secondaires ont été des facteurs importants. De plus, en raison de la piètre qualité de leur construction, les bâtiments n’ont pas été en mesure de s’adapter aux mouvements du sol.

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  1. Faculty of Engineering, İstanbul University, 34850 Avcılar, İstanbul, Turkey

    S. Dalgıç

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Dalgıç, S. Factors affecting the greater damage in the Avcılar area of Istanbul during the 17 August 1999 Izmit earthquake. Bull Eng Geol Environ 63, 221–232 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-004-0234-9

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