## 7 Conclusions  
This study aimed to examine the damage and collapse mechanisms observed in structures in the Elbistan region because of the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquakes, which occurred on 6 February 2023. A land survey of the affected regions was conducted immediately after the main shock by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. This study examined the seismological aspects of the earthquakes, as well as the different types of buildings in Elbistan. After exploring the damage experienced by the affected areas as a whole, the damage inflicted on the Elbistan region in particular was analyzed. This was conducted using data from the ministry's survey. The material quality of the affected buildings in this region was examined in detail, and it was found to have been the primary factor contributing to the damage observed. Additionally, other types of damage commonly observed in these buildings were discussed. Consequently, information regarding the damage condition and material quality of the buildings in the Elbistan region following the earthquakes was obtained. * The structures were categorized into two separate groups: those built pre-2000 and post-2000, and those with heavy damage and with moderate damage. Core samples were taken from these structures. Further, UPV experiments and Schmidt tests were performed in situ and in the laboratory. * Values were not obtained from the core samples taken from the heavily damaged, pre-2000 structures. Nevertheless, UPV and Schmidt values were obtained for these structures. These values, which were generally around 4 MPa, showed that these structures had poor concrete properties. * The concrete strength values of the pre-2000 buildings that had moderate damage were nearly double those of the pre-2000, heavily damaged structures (8 MPa and 10 MPa). However, their UPV and Schmidt values did not differ markedly. The on-site examinations showed that the carrier systems of these buildings should be examined in more detail. * Regarding the post-2000 buildings, the strength of the heavily damaged structures was variable. Although some structures recorded strength values above 20 MPa, which is close to the established standard, other buildings had concrete strength values close to those of the pre-2000 structures. This suggested that the established regulations were not followed in the construction of many of these buildings and that the construction supervision in the study region was therefore insufficient. * Regarding the post-2000 buildings, strength values of around 14 MPa were obtained for the moderately damaged structures, while their UPV and Schmidt values remained around the middle range of values. This study shows that, in general, the established concrete standards were not followed in the construction of the buildings under analysis. This suggests that similar structures should be examined in detail in future studies and that more precautions should be taken to prevent these structures from experiencing earthquake-inflicted damage. * When the concrete reinforcements of the buildings were examined, errors in their reinforcement systems were clearly observed. In the pre-2000 buildings, their fittings were old-fashioned and corroded. In the post-2000 structures, the reinforcement frequency was a factor that was not considered, and incorrect fastenings were observed. Apart from the damage caused by the material quality of the buildings, other types of damage were also examined. * It is common to use combined foundation applications in building foundations. In the study region, which is marked by high seismic activity, many buildings were found to not have basements, but their foundation systems were still arranged. However, mistakes were observed in these systems' basic connections. Additionally, some high-rise buildings were found to have been constructed without proper foundation systems. Interestingly, buildings with basements and curtains were not demolished, even if they were damaged.