Investigation of strength characteristics of natural stones in Ürgüp (Nevşehir/Turkey)

Abstract

Natural Stones of Ürgüp (Nevşehir) are commonly used both indoor and outdoor due to their easily given form at the stone quarry. That’s why some geotechnical and geomechanical tests must be done in order to determine quality separation and strength characterisation. Destructive and non-destructive tests were done on the five different colored and featured samples (10×10×10 cm3 ) named Vişne, Devetüyü, Gülkurusu, Kirli Beyaz and Sarı obtained from the study area. The uniaxial stress test was made in the frame of destructive tests. Schmidt hammer and ultrasound tests were applied in the frame of nondestructive tests. Results of destructive and non-destructive tests were compared and weaknesses and advantages of all methods were discussed. One of the samples named Sarı has more strength according to other samples. Gülkurusu and Kirli Beyaz samples have the lowest strength. Similarly, Schmidt hammer and ultrasound measurements gave high strength results. Because of destructive and nondestructive testing methods from different natural stone samples with non-uniform mineral combination were in accordance. Non-destructive testing methods can be used for strength characterisation of natural stones. In this case, geomechanical features and quality ranks can be determined with in-situ tests without carrying the samples to laboratories.