Search and Rescue Robot for Post-Disaster

Students from the Department of Civil Engineering and Department of Architecture at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) conducted earthquake simulations by examining 45 historic buildings in the city using scale models. Performing three-dimensional measurements and analyzing the structural systems of landmarks such as the Ataturk Museum, Hilton Hotel, Basmane Train Station, Historical Coal Gas Factory, and Izmir Girls' High School, students demonstrated how these buildings would behave during a potential earthquake by designing a ‘shake table’ underneath their models. The students, who also designed prototypes of a search and rescue robot, sensitive to sounds, equipped with a camera, and having high maneuverability, along with a renewable energy station to be used after a disaster, received great acclaim for their successful work.

A total of 62 students from IUE Departments of Civil Engineering and Architecture completed their projects within approximately two months as part of their ‘Engineering Mechanics II: Dynamics’ and ‘Dynamics and Structural Analysis’ courses. Examining the buildings meticulously like professional engineers and architects, the IUE students presented their observations in a report to their academics.

WE NEED STRONG STRUCTURES

Prof. Dr. Gökhan Kılıç, a faculty member of IUE Department Civil Engineering, congratulated the students for their exemplary work in reminding the reality of earthquakes. Prof. Dr. Kılıç said, “We place great importance on students demonstrating the theoretical knowledge they learn in classes through practical application. We have achieved an exemplary and highly successful project in this regard. As a city and a country, we are located in a geographical area that poses earthquake risks. The recent incident in Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, showed that buildings can collapse even without an earthquake. We need strong structures and accurate buildings to reduce risks and losses. We must provide excellent education to future engineers who will design the buildings we will live in, and prepare them in the best way possible. We act with this awareness and know that our responsibility is very high.”

WE WILL CONTINUE OUR WORK

Prof. Dr. Gökhan Kılıç continued as follows: Students conducted a comprehensive examination of Izmir's historic and iconic buildings. They prepared three-dimensional models of the existing structures, conducted on-site inspections of the buildings, and learned how to examine the structural systems and what to pay attention to, and carried out technical measurements. This year, different from previous terms, we also designed a robot that is sensitive to sounds, has maneuverability, and can be effectively used in search and rescue operations after a possible disaster. We will continue to add new features to and develop the search and rescue robot. Additionally, we developed a ‘renewable energy station’ that we believe will meet energy needs. Our students understood the importance of their work and prepared very seriously, producing beautiful projects. I congratulate them all and I am proud of them”.