T. Topal et V. Doyuran, ENGINEERING GEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND DURABILITY ASSESSMENT OF THE CAPPADOCIAN TUFF, Engineering geology, 47(1-2), 1997, pp. 175-187
Some of the unique landforms, the so-called ''fairy chimneys'', which
were formed within the Cappadocian tuff of central Turkey, were used a
s dwellings in the past and contain culturally valuable wall paintings
. However, these structures are undergoing chemical and physical deter
ioration due to atmospheric effects. For conservation studies, an unde
rstanding of the engineering geological properties of the tuff is esse
ntial. In this study, emphasis is placed on both material and mass pro
perties of the tuff. These properties are evaluated for the assessment
of rock durability. This study shows that the Cappadocian tuff is alm
ost fresh, with local discoloration, is moderately weak to very weak.
and has low unit weight, very high porosity, and high deformability. D
iscontinuity surveys revealed two dominant joint sets, which not only
controlled the formation but also control the structural stability of
the fairy chimneys. Various methods used for the durability assessment
of the Cappadocian tuff indicate poor to very poor durability. Due co
nsideration must be given to strength reduction due to moisture, poor
to very poor durability, and the adverse effects of joints on the stru
ctural stability of the fairy chimneys. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.