1. What is the Building Trauma Index (BITEX)?

Building Trauma Index (BITEX) is an assessment method that analyzes how structures respond to various loads and natural disasters. BITEX focuses on evaluating the durability and damage tendencies of structures, especially during large-scale events such as earthquakes, by measuring building performance. This index reveals whether the structure is reliable against different traumatic events by taking into account the building's load-bearing systems, material durability and structural geometry.

BITEX provides structural engineers and building owners with data to objectively understand the health status of a building. This data shows which parts of the structure are weaker, under what conditions they pose a safety risk, and which reinforcement or improvement processes are needed.

2. How Does BITEX Work?

The BITEX system examines various components of the building and performs a risk assessment based on certain parameters. These parameters include:

• Structural durability: How resistant are the building's foundation and supporting columns to earthquakes and other loads?
• Material quality: The durability and wear and tear of building materials such as concrete and steel are examined.
• Geometric analysis: The overall structure and architectural design of the building are evaluated in terms of stress distribution.
• Vibration and deformation measurements: How much does the building deform after shaking or loading? The effect of vibrations on the structure is measured.

Each of these parameters is scored according to a specific weighting, resulting in an overall BITEX score. This score indicates the building trauma index and indicates the safety status of the structure. For example, a low BITEX score means that the building is at risk from a durability perspective, while a high score indicates that the structure is safe.

3. BITEX’s Methods for Ensuring Building Health

The Building Trauma Index provides essential data for regular monitoring and, if necessary, strengthening of structures. Here are some of the methods that BITEX offers to ensure structural health:

a. Preventive Maintenance and Reinforcement Work

Since BITEX identifies areas of the building that are weak, it enables reinforcement and maintenance work to be carried out in risky areas. For example, the durability of the building can be increased by strengthening weak columns or replacing worn-out materials. Such measures can prevent serious damage to the building in major events such as earthquakes.

b. Real Time Monitoring Systems

BITEX can be supported by advanced sensor systems and provides continuous monitoring of the structure. These sensors record the vibrations, temperature changes and deformations of the building in real time. In this way, in case of an immediate danger, it is possible to quickly determine which parts of the building are at risk and intervene.

c. c. Risk-Based Maintenance Strategies

Buildings with low BITEX scores need to be maintained and inspected more frequently and regularly. This approach is particularly important for buildings located in earthquake zones. Risk-based maintenance allows for more efficient use of resources, concentrating on weak and risky areas and preserving structural health in the long term.

4. The Importance of BITEX in Terms of Earthquake Safety

BITEX is a critical tool, especially in earthquake zones. During earthquakes, large loads are placed on structures and these loads can cause weak structures to collapse or suffer serious damage. The BITEX assessment shows how resilient the building is to such events and determines the precautions to be taken for earthquake safety.

In earthquake risk areas, BITEX assessment enables building owners and local authorities to accurately analyse risks, so that structures that do not comply with safety standards can be identified and retrofitted or demolished.

5. BITEX’s Contribution to Future Structural Health Monitoring Systems

BITEX, which is used to protect and improve structural health, can take on a wider role in the future by integrating with structural health monitoring systems. With developing technology, BITEX values ​​can be analyzed instantly with advanced sensor systems that monitor loads and deformations on structures. Thus, the building can be checked immediately after any traumatic event (earthquake, flood, storm), allowing rapid intervention.

6. Importance of Using BITEX in Terms of Legal and Security Standards

BITEX is gaining importance not only as an analysis tool for building safety, but also as a legal requirement. Especially in regions with high earthquake risk, BITEX assessment of structures may become mandatory. This not only ensures building safety but also supports the longevity of structures. In addition, such a requirement ensures that structures are regularly inspected and maintenance work is carried out without interruption.

The Building Trauma Index (BITEX) is a comprehensive assessment tool that analyzes how safe buildings are against traumatic events. It provides structural engineers and building owners with the data it provides, ensuring building health and increasing the durability of the structure by identifying possible risks in advance. BITEX, which is of great importance especially in earthquake-prone areas, ensures the safe use of buildings and supports public safety. The widespread use of this index plays an important role in the construction of safer cities and the long-term protection of structural health.