Field Reconnaissance Observations of Marine Facilities in Southeast Türkiye Impacted by the February 2023 Earthquakes

Abstract

On February 6, 2023, southeastern areas of Türkiye and northwest areas of Syria were struck by a magnitude (M)7.7 earthquake (Pazarcık Earthquake) and, approximately 9 h later, an M7.6 event (Elbistan Earthquake) located 85 km to the northeast of the first earthquake epicenter. Multiple significant aftershocks with magnitudes of M5.0+ followed both events. The February 6 seismic events resulted in catastrophic damage to the surrounding areas, including over 100,000 collapsed or heavily damaged buildings and the tragic loss of tens of thousands of lives. Additionally, near-water infrastructure in the Gulf of İskenderun experienced damage and loss of operation. This paper documents field observations by a team deployed in May 2023 by the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute (ASCE-COPRI) to observe damage to marine infrastructure located along the coastline of İskenderun Bay, extending as far south as Arsuz, close to the Türkiye/Syrian border. The ASCE-COPRI team comprised marine structural and geotechnical engineering experts in the field of port infrastructure construction, seismic analysis, and design in seismic regions. The team also incorporated experts from the Middle East Technical University (METU) to incorporate their coastal expertise and local knowledge of the various facilities. The purpose of the ASCE-COPRI team was to observe, document, and learn about the earthquake effects on port systems and harbor structures in the Gulf of İskenderun as they relate to both operations and infrastructure. The findings have the potential to provide refinement or improvement of code provisions for current standards. The reconnaissance effort included visits to 15 public and private facilities, including coastal structures, ferry terminals, bulk handling terminals, and container terminals. Additionally, observations included near-shore building structures, bridges, and other related infrastructure at and between sites. The earthquakes’ impact on warehouses, container stacks, ship-to-shore cranes, bulk loaders, tanks, piping systems, bridges, and near-shore structures and infrastructure found in ports were also observed. The observed pile-supported structures performed well, with instances of minor damage to structures or ancillary components, which were generally recoverable and repairable. The observed gravity structures and bridges saw moderate damage that impacted operations and required repair. Gravity quay walls were observed to have lateral spreading beneath, with at least one observed collapse, while no damage was noted at sheet pile quay walls. Significant vertical settlement was observed at gravity breakwaters, other coastal protection structures, and where liquefaction occurred at near-shore buildings with shallow foundations. The team also observed operational impacts due to damage to conveyor systems, critical fire water lines, and rail cranes, resulting in extended facility downtime even where structural performance was good. Emergency response repairs were noted at several facilities, as well as the rapid development of temporary encampments for facility personnel. These efforts allowed for quick return to operations as well as provision of lifeline supports and aid in clearing debris from the inland higher shaking region. Large earthquakes are devastating to the community and businesses in the region of the epicenter. Often the best learning opportunities for engineers and emergency response coordinators come from visiting impacted areas and observing what worked and what did not. ASCE sent a team of engineers to Türkiye following the February 2023 earthquakes, specifically to look at marine infrastructure, including breakwaters, fisheries, and pile-supported piers and wharves, such as container ports. The observed structures performed well, with most issues related to movements of the ground at and near the shoreline. The performance was generally consistent with expectations. The observations suggest no obvious modifications are required for current port design codes. However, if more detailed information such as as-built or design documents become available, further analysis can be done to understand the key to structural performance. Furthermore, through discussions with facility personnel, the team learned valuable insights about the ports’ role in emergency response and recovery. After quick and creative measures to restore operations, two major ports brought in supplies and lifeships to support the nearby community. Additionally, several ports provided temporary housing, food, and schooling for their employees and families. Port facilities should plan for earthquakes by considering rapid response measures.