The Near East University Building Materials and Soil Mechanics Laboratory, renowned for its robust infrastructure and advanced equipment, is set to commence field studies aimed at identifying structures vulnerable to earthquakes. Situated within the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the laboratory boasts a wide array of specialized equipment in Structural Engineering and Materials, Soil Mechanics, and Hydraulic Engineering—some of which are unparalleled in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The laboratory, distinguished for its research conducted by field experts, is expanding its team to initiate on-site assessments for earthquake-prone structures.
With over 40 devices and 30 test experiments adhering to standards, the laboratory is well-equipped for both field and laboratory analyses. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rifat Reşatoğlu, a lecturer at the Near East University Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, emphasized the urgency of inspecting existing building stock, particularly those constructed before 2000. Stressing the need to prioritize and promptly commence work, he highlighted the importance of gathering comprehensive information about buildings during earthquake safety evaluations. Parameters such as building age, structural suitability, ground conditions, and the state of load-bearing elements are crucial, with expert examinations providing precise insights into a building's reliability.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Reşatoğlu detailed applications available at the Building Materials and Soil Mechanics Laboratory, including core purchases and measurements, concrete strength tests, and reinforcement scanning tests. He emphasized the significance of expert examinations in determining the invisible but crucial features influencing a building's durability.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, underscored the university's commitment to societal well-being by opening the laboratory to the public. He emphasized the duty of Near East University to leverage its infrastructure for the benefit of society, particularly in assessing the earthquake risk of buildings. Prof. Dr. Günsel highlighted the importance of earthquake-resistant structures and cities, reaffirming the university's active role in determining and mitigating earthquake risks in the country.
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