“It is possible to produce one million modular steel houses in three years”

'24. On Structural Steel Day, subheadings of steel structures, earthquake and sustainability were discussed in detail. The themes of “Earthquake Resistant Construction” and “Sustainability and Digitalization” were also discussed and discussed in every sense. Local and foreign speakers who are experts in their fields at the event shared their knowledge and experiences with the participants.

Pointing out that 60 percent of the population lives in earthquake areas, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Structural Steel Association and Consera Founder Melih Şimşek, in his speech titled 'Solution of our Country's Earthquake Resistant Housing Problem is Possible with Structural Steel and Modular Structures', said: "We changed our routine and introduced the modular steel structure industries When we install it, we will have earthquake-resistant structures without requiring any additional investment. It is possible to produce one million modular steel houses in three years. The way to produce safe and sustainable structures against earthquakes is through modular steel structures. Steel structures; Since they are 7-8 times lighter than traditional structures, they take less earthquake load at this rate. They are less affected by earthquakes. Moreover, they are built at least twice as fast. Also steel structures; It is much more sustainable than traditional buildings. They are nature-friendly structures due to their recycling features. "They do not consume the resources of future generations today," he said.

Melih Şimşek continued his speech with the following words:

“To produce 500 thousand houses in a year, 3.5 million tons of structural steel is required. The capacity in Turkey is 50 million tons. We need 120 thousand human resources. According to 2023 data, there are 3.5 million unemployed. We must establish 135 factories of 20 thousand square meters. This corresponds to 10 TOGG Factory closed areas. In summary, it is possible to produce one million modular steel houses in three years. When we change our routine and establish modular steel structure industries, we will achieve earthquake-resistant structures by simply transforming our existing preferences, without requiring any additional investment. We will have established a brand new exportable industry. We may not be the country that produces the most electric cars in the world, but there is no obstacle other than ourselves to becoming the country with the largest modular construction industry. Since earthquakes will continue in our geography, we have to develop rapid construction methods. If we build structures that will not collapse in earthquakes, we will not lose life and property. We will not experience major economic losses. Moreover, we will reduce our carbon emissions.”

Yoshinori Moriwaki, an earthquake expert and civil engineer, also attended the event. Open sessions were held and the event was concluded by giving "Sector Awards" to individuals and organizations that contributed to the development of the sector.