CIU Academician Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cemil Atakara drew attention to the issue of safety in facade cladding

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture Vice Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cemil Atakara, stating that in the recent years, composite facade cladding has been preferred, gave information in relation to the stages of construction and the things to be aware of.

Atakara expressed that the composite cladding requires a second system of construction that is integrated into the existing structure, and went on to say, “Usually, this structural solution is a metal box profile carcass. First of all, the steel cage is assembled upon the existing reinforced concrete or steel structure”.

Explaining that the selected material is then dressed or mounted upon the said cage system, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atakara continued, "However, first of all, there is a need for a project which will calculate its effectiveness against earthquakes or wind pressure, and with which method the box profile carcass will be mounted to the main structure”.

Underlining the necessity of producing and applying the dimensions and corrosion values ​​of all the materials which will be used in the project, as given in the project, Atakara went on to state, “Unfortunately, due to the inspection problem within our country, often these applications are not done correctly”.

Drawing attention to the fact that the facade claddings in this country are made completely upon the initiative of the individual or the companies, who apply them to existing buildings without the preparation of any projects, Atakara went on to share the information that, "In these applications, insufficiently thick and sized carrier materials are utilized, which rust in a short period of time due to the effects of corrosion, thus losing their carrier properties".

Repeating that the welding that is used in the steel carcass is also mostly made at the initiative of the person applying it, Atakara continued, “When this is the case, the facade cladding begins to weaken over time and breaks down with the effect of wind. This situation causes material damage and damage to life".

Atakara pointed out that there has been an increase in this type of cladding in recent times, especially upon the fronts of buildings that face public spaces, and warned that in the medium term, these buildings will become dangerous”.

Drawing attention to the possibility of construction material falling upon a pedestrian who is walking close by to a building like this, or the danger of a piece of cladding material falling upon a parked car, Atakara reminded that in this context, it is necessary for the required legal regulations to be made.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atakara noted that with the necessary regulations being put in place, we can expect that the current situation will be determined, and an action plan put in place and the important parts of the new systems to be built, particularly the material, welding type, anchoring method, to be produced via inspections.

Highlighting that applications such as these should be carried out with both the approval and control of the relevant architects and engineers, Atakara underlined that it is only in this way that any possible dangers can be avoided.