Serin-2 Apartment collapse report cites structural failures

A new expert report has been submitted to the Diyarbakır 7th High Criminal Court regarding the collapse of the Serin-2 Apartment during the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes. The collapse resulted in the deaths of 77 people and injuries to 29 others.

The report, prepared by a four-person committee from Ankara University and Middle East Technical University, concluded that the concrete quality used in the building was seriously inadequate, significantly contributing to the structure's heavy damage and eventual collapse. The findings indicate that reinforcement details specified in the static project were not followed, and stirrup spacing and hook details violated current regulations.

Crucially, the experts determined that a structural column had been cut after construction to accommodate businesses located beneath the building. This modification reduced the structure's vertical and horizontal load-bearing capacity and altered the load transfer pattern, placing additional stress on neighboring elements during the earthquake. The report notes that those responsible for the cutting of the column bear significant technical responsibility for reducing the building's earthquake resistance.

Additionally, the report addressed claims regarding nearby road and underpass construction. The experts concluded that vibrations and excavations from these works did not significantly weaken the building's foundation or reduce its earthquake resistance.