Yalçın proje

6–8 minutes

read

Structural Engineering Portfolio at Yalçın Proje (2013–2015)

As the Senior Structural Engineer at Yalçın Proje, I led the design of a diverse range of reinforced concrete structures. I also managed the execution of steel superstructures. This was during a period of significant growth between 2013 and 2015. These projects spanned across Turkey, Kazakhstan, Iraq, and Azerbaijan.

My responsibilities extended far beyond conventional design work. I managed the structural calculations and compliance with seismic and construction codes (Turkish, Eurocode, and ACI). I also developed advanced Excel-based engineering tools. These tools filled critical gaps in commercial software platforms like ETABS, SAP2000, SAFE, and Tekla Structures. I used Microsoft Office integrations, including VBA scripting, merged with API-based extensions of standard structural software. This setup enabled real-time cross-platform workflows. It also facilitated seamless technical coordination. These custom tools dramatically increased efficiency and accuracy, enabling:

  • 4x increase in annual project volume;
  • 75% reduction in engineering labor needs through automation and improvement;
  • Seamless coordination across multidisciplinary teams and international partners.

The showcased projects show both architectural and structural complexity. They feature built-up areas ranging from 2,000 to over 225,000 square meters. Each project required high-precision technical decisions, hands-on management, and advanced modeling workflows adapted to fast-paced, high-stakes construction environments.

This portfolio shows my deep knowledge in structural engineering. It also demonstrates my ability to systematize and scale technical operations through innovation. This contributes to the firm’s ability to deliver more projects faster and with greater accuracy.


🏗️ Bluemart Ataköy – Mixed-Use Commercial Complex

As the lead structural engineer for the Bluemart Ataköy project, I played a pivotal role in the structural conception. I was also key in delivering one of Istanbul’s most ambitious mixed-use commercial centers. The complex integrates premium retail outlets, corporate offices, and food & beverage zones. These are all arranged around a central atrium concept. This design channels daylight deep into the structure.

The project has a massive footprint. It is also close to the Marmara seismic fault line. I implemented Eurocode and TBDY seismic regulations. These were used alongside performance-based design strategies. Modular shear wall and frame systems were deployed to accommodate large spans and high footfall areas. Custom-developed Excel VBA tools ensured seamless coordination between analysis outputs and construction documentation, significantly reducing revision cycles and manual errors.

This project exemplifies how scalable structural logic and technology-forward processes can elevate both design integrity and construction efficiency.

Core Technologies Used:
ETABS, SAP2000, SAFE, AutoCAD, Tekla, Excel VBA

Key Engineering Highlights:

  • Multi-story lateral force-resisting system designed for dense urban context
  • Integration of podium + tower sections through dual-transfer slab solutions
  • Optimized foundation system for layered soil profile and underground parking

🏗️ Forum Almaty – Shopping & Entertainment Center

I was the lead structural engineer. I contributed to realizing this landmark five-story shopping and entertainment complex in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The design follows a “city-in-a-city” philosophy, incorporating dynamic architectural elements with natural lighting through expansive skylights. Each structural block features a distinct facade with premium cladding materials. The project demanded rigorous application of Eurocode and regional seismic codes. We optimized these codes through automated spreadsheet tools and advanced workflows developed in-house.

This project stands as a testament to multidisciplinary coordination, advanced engineering, and scalability in large-scale commercial developments.

Core Technologies Used:
ETABS, SAFE, SAP2000, AutoCAD, Excel VBA, Structural API integrations

Key Engineering Highlights:

  • Structural system designed for seismic resilience in a high-risk zone
  • Modular column-beam frameworks to enable flexible interior design
  • Customized calculation sheets for region-specific load combinations

🏗️ Terrace Tema Residence – High-Rise Residential Complex

I was the lead structural engineer of Terrace Tema Residence. I was responsible for the structural design and coordination of this high-density residential complex. It consists of twin 30-story towers. Located in the fast-developing Halkalı district, the project posed technical challenges. These included high slenderness ratios, underground parking, and soil-structure interaction in a seismically active zone.

My role involved optimizing the vertical load-bearing and lateral stability systems through dual-core shear walls and reinforced concrete frame structures. I also implemented value engineering techniques using ETABS and SAFE to reduce concrete volume without compromising safety. This approach ensured both material efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Customized VBA-based spreadsheets were used for load combinations according to Turkish Seismic Code (TBDY) and TS500.

Terrace Tema has a high-rise structure and green open spaces. It also has skyline visibility. These features have made it a notable reference in Istanbul’s vertical urban housing.

Core Technologies Used:
ETABS, SAFE, SAP2000, AutoCAD, Excel VBA

Key Engineering Highlights:

  • Twin-tower system with deep raft foundation and seismic cores
  • Wind and earthquake drift optimization for 30-story verticals
  • Efficient slab thickness and detailing for residential adaptability

🏗️ Azal Tower – Landmark Office & Commercial High-Rise

I was the lead structural engineer for Azal Tower, a prominent high-rise development in central Baku. I oversaw the entire structural system design of this 30-story office and retail complex. The building’s complex geometry featured both horizontal and vertical inclination. This necessitated the use of inclined columns and non-orthogonal floor layouts. These features posed significant modeling and construction challenges.

Additionally, the rooftop helipad required an independent load-bearing solution to accommodate dynamic rotorcraft loads and vibration mitigation strategies. Located in a seismically sensitive Caspian coastal zone, the structural system used a reinforced concrete core. It also utilized moment-resisting perimeter frames. These were fine-tuned through performance-based seismic design principles.

I developed custom Excel VBA tools to automate wind and seismic load checks, while also optimizing reinforcement and drift limits. These efforts significantly reduced engineering time and improved interdisciplinary coordination.

Azal Tower remains a benchmark project for integrating unconventional architectural form with advanced structural logic.

Core Technologies Used:
ETABS, SAP2000, AutoCAD, Excel VBA

Key Engineering Highlights:

  • Dual-structural system with vertical core and angled frame elements
  • Helipad with isolated structural platform and vibration control
  • Geometrically complex framing with inclined columns and sloped slabs
  • Custom automation tools for cross-border documentation and coordination

🏗️ Marmara Kule – Mixed-Use High-Rise with Commercial Podium

I was the lead structural engineer for Marmara Kule. This is a mixed-use high-rise located in Istanbul’s rapidly urbanizing Kartal district. I led the structural design and interdisciplinary coordination of this 35-story tower. The project was designed to combine residential, office, and commercial functions. It required distinct lateral and vertical zoning strategies for seismic safety. Additionally, these strategies ensured architectural flexibility.

The tower’s verticality and exposure to coastal wind conditions required a robust dual system. This included a central shear wall core. It also used perimeter moment frames. The three-level underground parking and high groundwater table posed significant geotechnical and foundation design challenges. These challenges were resolved through a waterproof raft slab. Deep retaining walls were also used.

Using advanced structural modeling in ETABS and SAP2000, I optimized structural member sizing, while custom-built Excel tools accelerated documentation workflows. These innovations allowed the team to reduce manual calculations, streamline approvals, and keep construction pace on a tight schedule.

Core Technologies Used:
ETABS, SAP2000, SAFE, AutoCAD, Excel VBA

Key Engineering Highlights:

  • Dual-system lateral force-resisting design tailored for coastal wind and seismic zones
  • Foundation engineering adapted to high water table and urban constraints
  • Vertical zoning for mixed-use occupancy and service core separation
  • Full BIM-compatible documentation with dynamic Excel integration

Fediverse reactions

Discover more from Kaya GAFAR

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.