Evaluation of geotechnical properties of Doğanşehir district with geographical information systems after the February 6, 2023 earthquakes

Parameters such as the bearing capacity of the soil and liquefaction potentials are of vital importance, as can be seen in the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023. At this point, the bearing capacity and liquefaction potentials of the Doğanşehir district of Malatya province, which has experienced many devastations both historically and recently, were investigated with the micro zonation investigation reports obtained from Malatya Metropolitan Municipality. The correlations recommended by the international literature and Turkish Building Earthquake Code were used and the results were mapped with a package program working with Geographical Information Systems. In addition, the groundwater level, seismic parameters and soil classifications of the study area were determined and then mapped. Liquefaction potentials were observed throughout the study area, including the central settlement of Doğanşehir, and this potential was observed even at a depth of 12 m in some areas. It was also found that the bearing capacity values of the central settlement were lower than the other regions. Finally, post-earthquake damages were interpreted based on the maps created within the scope of the study. It was understood that such studies are of vital importance for earthquake-prone regions before and after earthquakes.