Investigation of Seismic Damages Due to Geotecnical Causes During The Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes, February 06, 2023
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Keywords:
Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes, Geotechnical Seismic Damage, Soil Liquefaction, Local Site Amplification, Soil Structure InteractionAbstract
The Mw 7.7 (Pazarcık) and Mw 7.6 (Elbistan) earthquakes that occurred on 6 February 2023,
centered in Kahramanmaraş, have been recorded as one of the most devastating natural disasters in
Türkiye’s history. The severe damage and collapses observed following these earthquakes cannot be
explained solely by deficiencies in structural design and construction; instead, geotechnical conditions
were identified as a decisive factor governing damage in many affected areas.
In this study, geotechnical-induced seismic damage observed during the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes is
reviewed with a particular focus on soil liquefaction, local site amplification, and soil–structure
interaction. Field observations and analytical studies reported from various settlements—primarily
Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman (Gölbaşı), and Malatya—are comparatively evaluated, and the underlying
damage mechanisms are discussed within a unified framework. The findings indicate that alluvial soils
shallow groundwater levels, and inadequate soil improvement practices significantly amplified
earthquake-induced damage.
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References
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