The destruction of Erzurum ski-jumping complex by a landslide: evaluation of an engineering design failure

A number of new winter sports facilities were constructed in the city of Erzurum for 2011 FISU-Universiade Winter Games, some of which constituted the first examples in Turkey. One of those is the ski-jumping complex, which hosts 5 runways along with a cluster of structures in various sizes and annexes, complementing the runways. On the northern slope of Kiremitlik Hill, where the complex is situated, a landslide occurred on 15th July of 2014, leading into complete collapse of the runways and major damage to the entire facility. This study presents a technical summary and forensic analysis of the formation of this natural hazard to illuminate the causes that cumulatively led to this engineering failure that created a massive material loss. In this work, we investigate the issue from geological, geophysical and geotechnical perspectives to illuminate the true causes of this engineering failure. We also hope that this technical evaluation provides an example for engineers as well as public administrators not to overlook the critical ground conditions and well-established design principles of civil engineering.

Automated summary

This study examines the technical summary and forensic analysis of a landslide that led to the collapse of the ski-jumping complex in Erzurum in 2014. Various perspectives including geological, geophysical and geotechnical are considered to illuminate the true causes of this engineering failure. The study aims to provide engineers and public administrators with an example of the importance of considering critical ground conditions and well-established design principles in civil engineering projects.