BEUN to analyze earthquake risk of buildings using artificial intelligence

Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University has developed an AI-powered application that evaluates the ground and structural weaknesses of buildings that citizens live in or wish to purchase, using photos and location data. The report is prepared within 10-15 minutes and delivered to users via their accounts and email.

Scraper SystemJune 17, 2026, 07:09 PM

BEUN to analyze earthquake risk of buildings using artificial intelligence

Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University has developed an AI-powered application that rapidly evaluates the condition of buildings in the face of earthquakes. The system aims to allow citizens to upload a photo and location of a building to get information about both the ground class and structural weaknesses.

Prof. Dr. Şenol Hakan Kutoğlu, a faculty member in the Geomatics Engineering Department's Geodesy Division, said that many citizens have difficulty accessing the ground on which a building sits and the seismicity level of the area. Kutoğlu noted that building literacy regarding whether structures are safe against earthquakes is also low.

FEMA 154 standard used as basis

Kutoğlu explained that there are weaknesses detectable from the outside, and the internationally recognized FEMA 154 standard, known as the "rapid visual screening of buildings," is used for this purpose. He said the developed application makes this approach more accessible with AI support.

Kutoğlu noted that users who enter the application create an account, and after uploading the building's location and photo, the system performs an assessment in a short time. The prepared reports can be viewed from the account within the system and are also sent to the user's email address.

Reports prepared in 10-15 minutes

Kutoğlu stated that the reports are ready in approximately 10-15 minutes. He said the application aims to help citizens quickly get an idea about the buildings they live in, want to buy, or consider renting.

Explaining that the building's geometric weaknesses are also examined, Kutoğlu emphasized that elements such as short columns, soft stories, overhangs, and setbacks can create vulnerability against earthquakes even if the concrete quality is good.

It was stated that the developed software analyzes both the ground information and such strengths and weaknesses of the building with AI support and presents them to users. Kutoğlu also noted that the service was developed by the BEUN Technology Transfer Office.

Notable detail after February 6 earthquakes

Kutoğlu recalled that in the February 6, 2023 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, some new buildings collapsed while some very old structures remained standing. He said these examples reveal that not only concrete quality but also the geometric features of a building can be decisive in earthquake safety.

The application developed by the university aims to help citizens recognize at an early stage the risks they cannot see by looking at a building from the outside. The system stands out as a quick preliminary assessment tool, especially in the process of buying or renting a home.

BEUN to analyze earthquake risk of buildings using artificial intelligence