Consequences of Izmit (Kocaeli) Earthquake (Turkey, August 17, 1999) on industrial plants and some jetties

Abstract : After investigation of the consequences of the Izmit earthquake in nine industrial plants, a report was written for the French ministry of Environment. The main objective was the comparison with the Situation of earthquake prone French industries. General Information on this earthquake and its economic consequences in the Izmit area are first given. Then, typical accidents induced by the earthquake (referring to nine visited plants) involving dangerous chemicals (five cases) are described and proved the need for assessing equipment and infrastructure vulnerabilities, referring to consideration of regulatory aspects. Risk assessment and preventive and protective measures are to be introduced in specific safety cases dealing with seismic effects for industrial plants and port areas. The objective of this safety case is to prove the stability of facilities (non total collapse), but also some functional and operational capability in order to avoid adverse effect on man and environment.