Scientists from different countries discussed the urban development safety in earthquake-prone areas in Almaty

Euro-Asian Forum "SEISMO - 2026" scientific and practical conference was held at Satbayev University, dedicated to topical issues of earthquake-resistant construction and engineering seismology. The event was attended by scientists and specialists from different countries with presentations on highly relevant issues of ensuring earthquake resistance of buildings and structures, reducing the earthquake risks through engineering, legislative measures, scientific research and degree programs in earthquake-prone areas.

Conference’s principal purpose was to discuss the state, and prospects for evolving the experimental base necessary for scientific research and improvement of regulatory documents on the calculation and design of load-bearing structures of buildings. Conference was moderated by Bolat Kuspangaliyev, Director of Architecture and Construction Institute at Satbayev University.

Participants presented new scientific and technical developments aimed at improving the standards of earthquake-resistant construction, which are very valuable for the training of young scientists and specialists. Particular attention is being paid to reducing the seismic risks, since about 60 percent of Kazakhstan's territory belongs to zones of varying seismic intensity, and the south and southeast of the country are included in highly seismic zones.

Conference was dedicated to 80^th anniversary of Academician Mirken Abakanov, civil engineer, doctor of technical sciences, President of Kazakhstan Seismic Association (KazSA), honorary builder, renowned scientist in the earthquake-resistant construction sphere. For many years, he devoted himself to research on the seismic stability of load-bearing structural elements and structures of buildings, becoming the author of inventions, monographs, textbooks, articles and works on the design standards of earthquake-resistant and steel structures.

At the conference, the anniversarian of the day made "On the issue of updating the standards of earthquake-resistant construction in the Republic of Kazakhstan" presentation and received congratulations from friends and colleagues. "Our main goal is for scientists and specialists to present their new elaborations and scientific achievements here, and this is necessary for the training of young scientists and highly qualified specialists," he stressed.

Participants noted the achievements of outstanding scientists who were awarded medals "For the contribution to the development of earthquake-resistant construction named after Academician T.J. Zhunussov" and "For the contribution to the development of science and technology in the field of seismic safety" medals. Alongside, there was held a master class on the specifics of applying the norms of Kazakhstan, Russia and Kyrgyzstan in calculating the buildings and structures for seismic impacts with the participation of specialized engineering companies’ representatives.

Following the conference, there was adopted a resolution reflecting the current problems of earthquake-resistant construction in Kazakhstan, within which there was made a proposal to create a production and experimental base at Satbayev University to form a platform for evolving student startups and international research projects in the field of earthquake-resistant construction, equipped with the seismic platform. The resolution will be sent to the relevant ministries of education and science, industry and construction, as well as MES.