Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Oct. 7 / Trend H. Hasanov /
An international conference on relevant issues of seismology and earthquake engineering, organized by the Turkmen Academy of Science and the Ministry of Construction was held in Ashgabat, the organizers of the event said.
According to the report, the modern methods of seismic hazard assessment, improvement of geophysical monitoring, evaluation of resonance fluctuations of high-rise buildings were discussed within the forum.
Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reported on Monday that the Giprostroymost-Saint Petersburg scientific research institute's project on the application of modern methods of seismic protection was presented at the conference.
French Bouygues specialists familiarized the participants with the European seismic standards. Representatives of the Turkish Polimex company presented Etabs, Sap 2000, Lira computer programs used by the company at the conference.
Turkmen scientists'reports touched upon the issues related to the most vulnerable part of any object - ground bases. They also discussed the methods of calculation bases on saline soils; assessment of ground conditions in the construction of a seismic resistant facility on an artificial basis in the form of a compacted ground pillow, innovative technologies of basement waterproofing, and consolidating foundation's grounds with jet-grouting type bore-cement-ground columns.
The conference was attended by employees of Turkmengaz State Concern, who presented reports on aspects of geophysical methods for search and exploration of minerals, hydro-geological exploration of seismically active zones; geodynamic features of safe operation of oil and gas structures of Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan cooperates with Azerbaijan, the U.S., Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine and Japan in the sphere of development of seismology within the framework of implementation of joint projects and programs.
Turkmenistan is located in a seismically dangerous zone. On the night of October 6, 1948 Ashgabat experienced a catastrophic earthquake, the strength of which reached 10 points and claimed many lives.
The country's territory is characterized by existence of structurally unstable soils, and high corrosiveness is being observed because of the climatic conditions. The high salinity of ground waters, the intensity of solar radiation and other environmental factors are also the subject of studies of local seismologists.
Turkmenistan is currently experiencing a building boom; architectural complexes are being built across the country, most of which are high-rise, including residential areas, government agencies, educational institutions, and shopping centres.