Turkey's construction and building sector is growing markedly, and has become one of the pillars of the national economy. Turkey's geography leaves it exposed to frequent earthquakes, which has pushed the government to take firm measures to ensure the safety of buildings and public facilities. In this article we look at the growth of the construction sector in Turkey and review the building standards required under the latest earthquake legislation.

The growth of Turkey's construction sector
Turkey's construction sector has grown considerably over the past two decades, with rising demand for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. That growth has strengthened infrastructure and modernised Turkish cities. Many of the largest projects — Istanbul's new airport and the Istanbul Canal among them — reflect Turkey's ambition to achieve sustainable urban renewal.

Turkey's earthquake challenge
Turkey is among the countries most exposed to earthquakes because it sits on the North Anatolian Fault. The earthquakes that have struck the country over its history — such as the 1999 Marmara earthquake, which caused enormous destruction and a severe loss of life — have shown the pressing need to improve building standards to keep people safe.

Building standards required under the latest legislation
In response to these challenges, the Turkish government has taken firm steps to raise building standards and ensure buildings can withstand earthquakes. These are the main requirements under the latest legislation:

  1. Earthquake-resistant structural design
    Buildings must be designed to withstand the seismic forces expected of them. That includes using advanced structural analysis software to assess how the building responds to an earthquake.
  2. Use of high-quality building materials
    The legislation requires high-quality, dependable building materials such as reinforced concrete and steel, to guarantee the strength and safety of the structure.
  3. Modern construction techniques
    Encouraging modern construction techniques such as seismic isolation and floating foundations, which help reduce the effect of an earthquake on the building.
  4. Periodic testing
    Requiring developers to carry out periodic tests on buildings to verify their structural integrity and how well they resist earthquakes.
  5. Training and awareness
    Running training courses for engineers and contractors on the latest techniques and practice in earthquake-resistant construction.
  6. Intelligent urban planning
    Encouraging intelligent urban planning that takes account of the distribution of population density and of building in areas less exposed to earthquakes.

Building safety in Turkey has become a matter of the highest priority because of the country's repeated earthquakes. The latest legislation, which imposes strict building standards, is intended to protect lives and reduce the damage earthquakes cause. By holding to these standards and adopting modern construction techniques, Turkey can continue to deliver urban growth that is both sustainable and safe. That requires cooperation between the government, property developers and the wider community, to secure a safe and prosperous future for everyone.