Seismic Risk, Structural Vulnerabilities, and Retrofitting Solutions: Lessons from the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, on February 6, 2023, exposed critical infrastructure deficiencies, particularly in areas near the East Anatolian Fault Zone. This study examines geological and structural factors that intensified the damage, including soil amplification reaching 2.5 in sedimentary basins, significantly increasing ground shaking. Structural assessments show that pre-1999 buildings had over 45% failure rates due to inadequate reinforcement and shear wall deficiencies. Using probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) and structural performance assessments, the effectiveness of retrofitting solutions like buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) and base isolation is evaluated. A comparative analysis with Japan, the U.S. (California), and New Zealand highlights best practices for seismic resilience. The findings emphasize the need for integrating site-specific hazard assessments into Türkiye’s seismic codes and enforcing large-scale retrofitting programs to mitigate future earthquake risks.