Within the framework of the Erasmus+ project IM4STEM – Intelligent Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials, Prof. dr. sc. Marijana Hadzima-Nyarko participated in the 6th International Conference on Structural Integrity, held from September 1 to 4, 2025, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
At the conference, Prof. Hadzima-Nyarko delivered an oral presentation of a scientific paper entitled
“Influence of Transverse Reinforcement on Damage and Fracture Mechanisms in RC Structures during the Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes”,
co-authored by Ercan Işık, Silva Lozančić, Fatih Avcil, Aydın Büyüksaraç, Enes Arkan, and Dorin Radu.
The presentation focused on the role of transverse reinforcement in the damage and fracture mechanisms of reinforced concrete structures, analysed in the context of the devastating Kahramanmaraş earthquakes of February 6, 2023. The study was based on field observations conducted in the earthquake-affected region, complemented by numerical analyses investigating the influence of transverse reinforcement spacing, diameter, and anchorage on the seismic performance of RC columns.
The research identified key factors contributing to structural damage, including excessive stirrup spacing, inadequate anchorage, poor material quality, and insufficient workmanship, highlighting the critical importance of proper transverse reinforcement detailing for ensuring ductility and structural integrity.
The presented results form part of the research activities of the IM4STEM project, which promotes the use of digital tools, numerical modelling, and field-based investigations to advance knowledge in seismic risk assessment and structural resilience, while supporting the modernisation of STEM education.
The presentation generated interest from the international scientific community and contributed to the global dissemination of project results, thereby enhancing the visibility of the IM4STEM project in the fields of earthquake engineering and structural integrity.
