- Largest seismically-isolated building in the world.
- Designed to withstand a 7.5 ~ 8.0 Richter magnitude earthquake.
- Award of Merit by Structural Engineers Association of California, in the category Landmark Structures.
Istanbul is seismically active and experienced large earthquakes due to North Anatolian Fault, which runs for 1,500km between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. As the African plate continues its move northwest, the Mediterranean is subject to earthquakes on a regular basis.
Sabiha Gökçen Terminal is a new international terminal building constructed on a total area of 320,000m2 and is designed by Tekeli-Sisa Architecture Partnership.
At over 40,000m2 on plan, the terminal is the largest seismically isolated structure built to date. Arup’s team of seismic experts determined the amount of movement that the building could withstand and tested 14 potential earthquake scenarios and results showed that the structure met and surpassed expectations. The lateral earthquake loads are reduced by 80% using 300 isolators, delivering a superior seismic performance.
Atila Zekioglu, Arup Principal and seismic expert for the SGIA project, said, “Using our international network of experts, Arup shattered industry standards to redefine what is possible. As a result, the Sabiha Gökçen International Airport terminal project will be recognised globally for its superior earthquake safety features and completion in record time.”
Arup provided structural, seismic and infrastructural engineering design services for the terminal. Engineering design services are also given for a hotel, access roads and viaducts (3,700m total) and civil services. Our involvement in the project included also consulting service regarding airfield ground lighting, high mast lighting, a visual docking guidance system, aircraft fuel hydrant and baggage handling systems.
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