Smart Device Developed to Report Building Conditions After Earthquakes
Academics at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University have designed a smart system that measures building safety after an earthquake and sends notifications to mobile phones.
Prof. Dr. Şenol Hakan Kutoğlu and Dr. Seda Akduman from Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University have developed a smart damage assessment system that measures the oscillation of buildings during an earthquake and directly notifies mobile phones whether they are safe. Having received registration from TÜRKPATENT, the team is awaiting investor support to transition the prototype-stage device to mass production.
Features of the Smart Damage Assessment System
Faculty members at the Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Faculty of Engineering initiated a study to quickly determine whether it is dangerous to enter buildings following earthquakes. The developed device is attached to the load-bearing system to measure the structure's oscillation.
The system processes data such as the building's location, number of floors, and building material. Measuring the tremor via an accelerometer, the device evaluates the risk status by assessing the building's relationship with its pre-determined oscillation period.
Working Principle and Notification Process of the Device
The device, which can operate on battery or plug-in power, is connected to the load-bearing elements of the building to record tremors. Data collected through sensors are compared with the theoretical natural oscillation period of the building.
The obtained results are sent directly to the user as a notification via mobile phone. In the event that excessive swaying is detected, it is stated that the building must be inspected by professional teams.
Justifications and Objectives of the Academics
Prof. Dr. Şenol Hakan Kutoğlu stated that not every tremor means danger and that the swaying of buildings is natural. He expressed that since citizens do not have the opportunity to consult experts during every tremor, they designed a practical solution to this need.
Dr. Seda Akduman reminded that people had to stay outside and in tents during the field assessment process following the February 6 earthquakes. She noted that with the developed system, they aim to enable users to check the status of their buildings and enter and exit safely.
Investor Support Awaited for Mass Production
The patent processes for the invention, which received registration from the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, have been completed. The team completed the necessary software and started experiments with low-budget accelerometers.
Financial support and investors are needed for the device, which is in the prototype development stage, to transition to mass production and become a commercial product.