Turkish firm Karmod builds speedy steel mosque for quake-hit province

Turkish building manufacturer Karmod has completed the construction of a mosque using a special building steel system in Türkiye's southeastern Kahramanmaras province in 45 days.

The company said Wednesday in a statement that they were able to build the new mosque in Afsin district in a very short time with the advantage of the hybrid steel system.

Karmod Board Member and Sustainability Manager Hakan Durmaz said the Osman Mosque was the latest mosque project completed in the earthquake zone.

On Feb. 6, 2023, twin devastating earthquakes struck 11 Turkish provinces, damaging or collapsing thousands of buildings, including in Kahramanmaras.

Durmaz emphasized that mosques built with steel construction systems are earthquake proof.

"In our country, which is faced with the reality of earthquakes, it is very important to turn to sustainable solutions in building projects. The steel construction system is a great opportunity to build earthquake-safe buildings," he said.

“These buildings are constructed using steel construction systems, from the load-bearing poles to the walls and roof. Moreover, since pre-production is carried out entirely on modern factory lines under the quality management system, field production risks are eliminated. Construction processes in the project area can be completed in a very short time,” he added.

Hz. Osman Camii was among the 28 damaged mosques in Afsin district.

The mosque was designed with a 285-square-meter steel construction system at Karmod’s technical office, Durmaz said.

Heavy and light steel systems, which are called hybrid steel, were used in the project, he noted.

"In the main congregation area in the front part of the mosque, a 5.1-meter-high structure was created using a heavy steel system.

"This 142-square-meter space achieves a completely open floor plan thanks to the use of a heavy-duty steel support system, eliminating the need for additional columns," he added. 

Light steel systems were used at the rear entrance of the mosque, he added.

Source: Anadolu Agency