The response spectra demonstrate that the horizontal components of motion had several dominant peaks within a 0.2-0.7 second band. Often, the slabs are also of cinder-block type. There are many older, timber-reinforced adobe, stone or brick masonry buildings. Some of the older structures in the older part of Adana or in the villages are of block stone masonry. Most of the industrial plants significant to the economy of the area are of prestressed and precast concrete construction.
Steel construction is practically non-existent.
Ceyhan suffered the most damage and loss of lives. Older buildings in Tuzlugol subdivision, apparently an old river bed, also suffered, but these were mainly one to two-story buildings built on irrigated or formerly irrigated agricultural areas. It is possible that the characteristics and the peak acceleration of ground motions in Adana were not as severe as in Ceyhan due to different soil-depth and site response characteristics. It appeared that the quality of construction practices in Adana was better than in Ceyhan. This large complex was shut down immediately after the earthquake, but was reopened within 48 hours following inspections by a group of engineers.