Systemic seismic vulnerabilities: Key construction failures and mitigation strategies

This paper presents an analytical examination of pervasive construction malpractices systematically observed in highly seismic zones, with a particular focus on case studies from Turkey, where recurrent major earthquake events have critically exposed widespread systemic deficiencies in structural design, detailing, and material selection. Photographic evidence, referenced herein as illustrative placeholders, highlights six primary categories of critical failure: non-engineered roof systems, unbraced masonry infill partitions, brittle beam-column connections, discontinuity in lateral bracing load paths, inadequate geotechnical treatment for liquefaction mitigation, and insufficient seismic separation between adjacent structures. For each identified malpractice, a corresponding set of robust, engineering-based solutions is rigorously proposed. These mitigation strategies advocate for the adoption of modern structural systems, including Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) framing, three-dimensional (3D) structural panels, geotechnical soil stabilization techniques, and strict adherence to contemporary, performance-based seismic design codes. The overarching objective is to furnish a comprehensive and practical reference framework for significantly enhancing the structural resilience and overall seismic performance of the built environment in earthquake-prone areas.