Şahin said the following, in summary:
“In the inspections carried out in the earthquake regions following the 1999 Marmara earthquake, it was determined that the damage occurring in structures arose from problems with workmanship, materials, the structural system, and technical defects. The greatest deficiency in buildings stems from situations related to the structural system. One of the biggest problems addressed by the regulation concerning structures to be built in disaster zones is the failure to place stirrups at sufficient frequency in load-bearing system elements due to non-compliance with the rules, and this is a major error. For example, not placing any stirrups, or not placing them at sufficient frequency, at column-beam joints has caused severe damage at those joints. Placing engineering-compliant reinforcement and providing stirrup confinement at connection points is extremely important. The mandatory standard rules and regulations to be complied with, including the materials used during construction, must be established and supported by sanctions; production and inspection must become professionalised; and modern, independent, impartial technical inspection must be carried out.”
