S.OZATA (1), E.G. ARUN (2)

(1)PhD Student and Research Assistant, Department of Architecture, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkeyozataserife@gmail.com, sozata@yildiz.edu.tr

(2)Professor Dr., Department of Architecture, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkeygoruna@gmail.com

ABSTRACT Rock-cut structures are one of the natural stone constructions used for thousands of years. The Cappadocia region, which contains thousands of rock-cut structures and fairy chimneys, is a World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO. Rock-cut structures have been used for thousands of years in this region and many of them are still in use. Problems that threaten the structures have been recently observed in these constructions. The causes of the damages are mostly due to the interventions undertaken without investigation of the source of the problem and the rock characterization. This research includes case studies on a rock-cut warehouse and dwelling, structures that represent dozens of similar rock-cut structures in Bahceli village, Cappadocia. The aim of this study is to analyse problems in these rock-cut structures and to suggest intervention methods for the damages. The aim hopes to present a procedure of damage assessment for rock-cut structures. In line with this purpose, the causes of the damages were evaluated and damage types were determined based on in-situ damage assessment. Through in-situ assessment and laboratory tests, physical, mechanical, chemical, petrographic and mineralogical characteristics of the rock material were determined. In-situ non-destructive tests were undertaken for each structure in February (winter session) and July (summer session). Based on the data obtained, damage and deterioration assessments in specific rock-cut structures were evaluated and interventions for current problems are suggested.

KEYWORDS: Cappadocia, Bahceli Village, Rock-Cut Structure, Physical-Mechanical-Chemical-Petrographic and Mineralogical Characteristics of Rock Material, Damage Assessment