Conventional buildings in our country are primarily reinforced concrete structures, making up 96.7% of all buildings. In conventional buildings, steel and concrete are used together to form the reinforced concrete. Concrete elements (columns, beams, slabs, etc.) are designed to withstand external forces over time, such as compression, shear, and buckling.

In conventional buildings, concrete compensates for the weaknesses of steel, while steel reinforces concrete’s weaknesses. Steel, which is vulnerable to fire, is covered with concrete, and concrete, which has low tensile strength, gains both compressive and tensile resistance as well as improved fire resistance when reinforced with steel.

There are varying opinions regarding the lifespan of conventional buildings, but many experts generally accept it to be between 50 and 70 years.

While conventional buildings are among the most cost-effective building types, their lack of earthquake resistance makes them less preferred in earthquake-prone countries. Even when used, they are subject to strict inspections during construction and afterward.

The materials used in construction are crucial. For example, the strength of bricks alone is less important than using lightweight materials with high insulation properties. Since columns bear the building’s load, lighter bricks reduce the pressure on columns, thereby increasing earthquake resistance.

Conventional buildings were introduced in Turkey in the late 1950s, and their numbers have grown dramatically up to the present day.