Investigating the historical building materials with spectroscopic and geophysical methods: A case study of Mardin Castle

Abstract

Today, the building materials form the historical buildings are being exposed to various deteriorations increasingly due to different causes. Many historical masonry constructions in the world are on the edge of extinction due to the increasing frequency and changing models of material deterioration. The materials as close as possible to the original materials in terms of their chemical compositions and physical properties are required in the reconstruction and maintenance of the buildings that have historical importance. In addition, the properties of the materials used in the historical buildings are generally not known with a sufficient accuracy. This causes misapplications in case of emergencies, and also may lead to future potential greater damages on the building. The lack of data regarding the engineering properties of these buildings causes long-term damages on the buildings due to inappropriate conservation methods and materials. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the properties of certain materials for application in the renewal of the historical buildings. Within this context, in this study the construction materials of Mardin Castle, which is located in Mardin Province, Turkey and existing for centuries as the symbol of the city, are investigated and its properties are reached. Experimental research methods were used in the study. Primarily, the castle structure was examined on-site by field study and sampling was carried out from the areas determined. The samples were analyzed via various spectroscopic and geophysical methods, and various findings were achieved. Relatively variable and high levels of salinization were determined in the findings regarding the average values in stone samples of Mardin Castle’s Fortification Walls. Results of the research document the conservation status regarding Mardin Castle and provide an experimental base and also a theoretical support for the conservation of historical buildings in Turkey; and present indicative suggestions to establish conservation schemes of the historical buildings.