Building on the project "Multiscale consequence studies for hazard impact on Structures in Iraq" and the close relationships of the Iraqi doctoral students at the Chair of Advanced Structures, a follow-up project funded by the DAAD was initiated with the University of Sulaimani, Tishk International University, and the Joint Crisis Coordination Centre (JCC). The project is dedicated towards improving earthquake safety in Northern Iraq.
The project employs state-of-the-art techniques to analyze and mitigate seismic hazards, focusing on developing a building assessment scheme adapted to EMS-98 that reflects the architectural and structural characteristics of Iraqi buildings. This aims to improve both the safety of the buildings and the socio-economic conditions in the region.
The project will conduct extensive on-site surveys of the building stock and analyze the typical characteristics of buildings in the region, particularly regarding vulnerability to earthquake damage, to develop economic measures and improve earthquake safety strategies. The initial focus is on the city of Sulaimani.
Additionally, the partnership aims to create a framework of engineering best practices specifically tailored to Iraq's risks, including earthquakes and climate change impacts. This framework will guide current and future construction practices to enhance structural safety.
Important and essential components of this initiative include capacity building and scientific and cultural exchange. Academic staff, PhD students, and undergraduates from the partner universities, as well as experts from the JCC, will participate in workshops on topics such as vulnerability assessment of the building stock and analytical methods for individual building assessments at the Bauhaus University Weimar. Additionally, jointly supervised student thesis are planned to promote scientific exchange beyond the project period.
The project aims not only to provide immediate infrastructure improvements but also to ensure that local engineers and academic institutions are equipped with the knowledge and skills required for continuous resilience planning.