Analysis and comparison of physical-mechanical and petrographic properties of some natural stones in Diyarbakir-Mardin-Bitlis provinces

One of the most important and basic needs throughout human history has been the need for shelter. To meet this need, structures have been built with various materials. Natural stones constitute the main material of buildings for various reasons such as their frequent occurrence in nature, easy availability, and durability. Natural stones are very diverse in nature, with different properties and availability varying regionally. Stones with different characteristics, obtained from the regions where they are found, were preferred in the construction of buildings using various techniques. To protect traditional buildings and ensure their sustainability, the technical and material properties used must be well known. This can be achieved by determining the usage areas of the stones and applying various tests to the stones. In this study, first, a comprehensive literature study on natural stones was conducted. After the literature study was completed, field work was carried out and architectural structures in three different cities, Diyarbakır, Mardin and Bitlis-Ahlat, were examined and the areas of use of stones in architecture were determined. For the test studies, samples were taken from three different quarries where the stones were located, and experiments were carried out to determine their physical and mechanical properties. These experiments were the point load strength index test, the compressive strength test under uniaxial load, the Los Angeles (wear loss) test, the Schmidt hammer test, the Ultrasound test. and SEM (scanning electron microscopy)-EDX (energy dispersion x-ray spectrometry) analysis. As a result, the areas of use of Diyarbakır, Mardin, Bitlis-Ahlat stones (İgnimbrite) in architecture were determined by field study, building types were selected and documented with photographs. In experimental studies, the strength of the stones was determined according to their physical and mechanical properties. The results of the experiments performed on stone samples are tabulated and shown with graphics. In this study, the physical and mechanical properties of different types of stones were determined and the strength and technical properties of these stone materials were compared. As a result of the thesis study, it is aimed to create a scientific basis for the use of these stones in the architecture and construction sector, aiming to be an up-to-date guide for academic studies on this subject.