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December 4, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations Gebze Technical University (GTU) Department of Civil Engineering Faculty Member Prof. Selçuk Toprak attends the (13th Water System Seismic Conference – 13WSSC) held in Taipei on November 19–21, 2025, as Türkiye’s representative. Jointly organized since 1999 by the Chinese Taipei Water Works Association (CTWWA), the Japan Water Works Association (JWWA), and the U.S.-based Water Research Foundation (WRF), the conference is recognized as one of the world’s leading scientific platforms on the seismic impacts and seismic safety of water and wastewater systems. This year marks the first time Türkiye is represented at the event, made possible through the participation of GTU and İSKİ.
At the conference, Prof. Toprak presented his paper titled “Impacts on Water Systems: Lessons from the February 2023 Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye Earthquakes,” in which he discussed the damage observed in drinking water and wastewater systems following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, field observations, and comparisons with international practices. The paper was published in full in the conference proceedings.
Throughout the conference, topics included the seismic behavior of large-diameter steel pipelines crossing active fault lines, engineering assessments of the deformation capacity of such systems, and design and retrofit practices from various countries. Field observations from the 2023 Kahramanmaraş and 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquakes were evaluated comparatively, focusing on damage types observed in water treatment plants, distribution reservoirs, and transmission pipelines. Participants also shared international approaches to pre-earthquake infrastructure improvements, strengthening of critical lines, planning of alternative supply routes, and strategies aimed at rapid recovery. Additionally, discussions covered portable treatment units, temporary transmission lines, and effective emergency response methods for post-disaster water supply.
On the final day of the conference, participants had the opportunity to conduct a technical on-site visit to the large-scale water transmission line and tunnel construction project being carried out under the Da’an–Dajia Interbasin Transmission Line Project by the Taiwan Water Corporation. During the visit, shield tunneling works, deep shaft structures, pipe jacking operations, and engineering solutions designed to enhance regional water supply security were presented on site. This project, which aims to reinforce Taipei’s aging water infrastructure and build a more earthquake-resilient system, was regarded by participants as a model international application.
Prof. Toprak’s extensive field studies conducted after major earthquakes in Türkiye and his research published in international journals provided conference participants with significant insight into the effects of fault movement, liquefaction, lateral spreading, landslides, ground settlement, and strong ground shaking on water infrastructure. This expertise was viewed as highly valuable by both academics and water authorities present in the conference within the context of resilience strategies, investment prioritization, and risk reduction efforts.
As GTU continues to strengthen its international presence in seismic risk mitigation, lifeline systems, and infrastructure resilience, Prof. Toprak’s scientific contribution in Taipei once again highlighted the university’s leadership in this field. |
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