Research Article

SEISMIC PERFORMANCE AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS DURING THE OCTOBER 30, 2020 İZMIR EARTHQUAKE

Volume: 7 Number: 2 December 8, 2025
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SEISMIC PERFORMANCE AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS DURING THE OCTOBER 30, 2020 İZMIR EARTHQUAKE

Abstract

The October 30, 2020, İzmir Earthquake (Mw = 6.9) caused significant structural damage and human casualties, particularly affecting masonry buildings in the Karaburun region of İzmir, Turkey. This study presents a detailed field investigation of the failure patterns, damage mechanisms, and structural deficiencies observed in masonry structures following the earthquake. The findings highlight that a major contributing factor to the severe damage and collapses was the lack of adherence to modern seismic codes and engineering standards, particularly in rural areas where traditional construction techniques prevail. A systematic classification of damage levels was conducted, and the structural vulnerabilities of masonry buildings were analyzed in terms of material properties, workmanship quality, and construction methods. It was observed that poor mortar quality, inadequate connection between walls, heavy earthen roofs, and lack of lateral reinforcement significantly increased the seismic vulnerability of these structures. Furthermore, the earthquake occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, compounding the challenges in emergency response and post-disaster recovery. The study underscores the urgent need for seismic risk mitigation strategies in rural and urban masonry structures, emphasizing the importance of retrofitting, proper material selection, and improved engineering practices to enhance earthquake resilience. Lessons from this earthquake provide valuable insights for future seismic hazard preparedness and policy improvements for historical and vernacular masonry structures in seismically active regions.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Structural Engineering

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

December 3, 2025

Publication Date

December 8, 2025

Submission Date

February 12, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 18, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 7 Number: 2

APA
Usta, P., Zengin, B., Sever, A. E., & Şakalak, E. (2025). SEISMIC PERFORMANCE AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS DURING THE OCTOBER 30, 2020 İZMIR EARTHQUAKE. International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Research, 7(2), 62-83. https://doi.org/10.47933/ijeir.1638553
AMA
1.Usta P, Zengin B, Sever AE, Şakalak E. SEISMIC PERFORMANCE AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS DURING THE OCTOBER 30, 2020 İZMIR EARTHQUAKE. IJEIR. 2025;7(2):62-83. doi:10.47933/ijeir.1638553
Chicago
Usta, Pınar, Başak Zengin, Ali Ekber Sever, and Elifnur Şakalak. 2025. “SEISMIC PERFORMANCE AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS DURING THE OCTOBER 30, 2020 İZMIR EARTHQUAKE”. International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Research 7 (2): 62-83. https://doi.org/10.47933/ijeir.1638553.
EndNote
Usta P, Zengin B, Sever AE, Şakalak E (December 1, 2025) SEISMIC PERFORMANCE AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS DURING THE OCTOBER 30, 2020 İZMIR EARTHQUAKE. International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Research 7 2 62–83.
IEEE
[1]P. Usta, B. Zengin, A. E. Sever, and E. Şakalak, “SEISMIC PERFORMANCE AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS DURING THE OCTOBER 30, 2020 İZMIR EARTHQUAKE”, IJEIR, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 62–83, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.47933/ijeir.1638553.
ISNAD
Usta, Pınar - Zengin, Başak - Sever, Ali Ekber - Şakalak, Elifnur. “SEISMIC PERFORMANCE AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS DURING THE OCTOBER 30, 2020 İZMIR EARTHQUAKE”. International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Research 7/2 (December 1, 2025): 62-83. https://doi.org/10.47933/ijeir.1638553.
JAMA
1.Usta P, Zengin B, Sever AE, Şakalak E. SEISMIC PERFORMANCE AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS DURING THE OCTOBER 30, 2020 İZMIR EARTHQUAKE. IJEIR. 2025;7:62–83.
MLA
Usta, Pınar, et al. “SEISMIC PERFORMANCE AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS DURING THE OCTOBER 30, 2020 İZMIR EARTHQUAKE”. International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Research, vol. 7, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 62-83, doi:10.47933/ijeir.1638553.
Vancouver
1.Pınar Usta, Başak Zengin, Ali Ekber Sever, Elifnur Şakalak. SEISMIC PERFORMANCE AND FAILURE MECHANISMS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS DURING THE OCTOBER 30, 2020 İZMIR EARTHQUAKE. IJEIR. 2025 Dec. 1;7(2):62-83. doi:10.47933/ijeir.1638553

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