Structural and geotechnical investigations on Sivrice earthquake (Mw = 6.8), January 24, 2020

The earthquake in Sivrice, the district of Elazığ, took place at 20:55 (with local time, GMT+3) on January 24, 2020, with a magnitude of 6.8 in Turkey. This earthquake was felt in some districts and villages of Malatya as well as Elazig province and caused loss of life and property. After the earthquake, on-site investigations were carried out in the earthquake area. It was observed that liquefaction and lateral spreading occurred in alluvium soil deposits that are considered to be close to surface at lake shores and reservoir of the dams, but no soil-induced damage was observed in the city center. It is understood that extensive geotechnical investigations should be carried out in order to prevent damage to the structures due to soil problems in case of larger earthquakes. The common observed structural damages in the reinforced concrete (RC) buildings occurred due to short column effect, large and heavy overhangs, beam discontinuity, workmanship defects, and lack of control. Along with the masonry buildings in Elazig center and villages, damages that occurred in traditional stone masonry houses at the villages of Elazığ and Malatya had been examined, and causes had been investigated. Different levels of damage occurred widely in masonry minarets that did not meet adequate engineering service. In this study, geotechnical and structural damages have been investigated, and suggestions have been presented for the preparation of the region in question on active faults for possible earthquakes.