The Empirical Stability Evaluation of The Körükini Cave, Derebucak, Konya

Abstract

Located 145 km away from Konya, the Körükini cave is one of the most important caves of the Derebucak area. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the stability of the Körükini cave. For this purpose, we conducted geological field trips, took block samples and made in-situ field tests. Following these steps, we applied laboratory tests to determine physico-mechanical properties on rock samples taken from the cave. Based on the RMR, GSI, Q, RMi classification, rock mass values were determined for the Körükini Cave. Thus, average RMR is 60, average Q is 8.2, average GSI is 75 and average RMi 11.64. the obtained data show that the Körükini Cave is unstable in all locations according to empirical stability evaluation. Thus, support (e.g. systematic bolting, fibre reinforced shotcrete and bolting, and fibre reinforced shotcrete and bolting) is needed for the Körükini Cave.