Seismic safety screening method (SSSM) for slum clearance

After October 23rd, 2011 M7.2 Tabanli-Van earthquake which caused damage in a widespread area across the Van province, government of Turkey announce that "revolutionary measures will be taken in the area of housing and public works with respect to the life safety in structures, and urban regeneration will be started soon". When the existing stock of RC buildings in Turkey with a large variety of design and construction defects is considered it is vital importance to use not only simplified but also reliable techniques, which can predict the seismic safety of the existing buildings in relatively shorter time. Seismic Safety Screening Method (SSSM), is an adaptation of the Japan Seismic Index Method considering "Specification for Buildings to be Built in Seismic Zones (2007)", some technical/non-technical properties of existing building stock in Turkey. The outcome of SSSM is the determination of buildings which are not safe enough to keep the life alive inside, or another words to decide the "Slum Clearance" by spending minimum time with reliable results.