This study examines the mechanical and physical performance of lightweight concretes incorporating acidic pumice aggregate, with a particular focus on their behavior under thermal exposure. Pumice sourced from the Bitlis-Tatvan region was used as a partial replacement for limestone aggregate at volumetric substitution levels of 50%, 60%, and 70% (designated LC50, LC60, and LC70, respectively), alongside a conventional control mix (NC). Experimental investigations included flexural and compressive strength tests, capillary water absorption measurements, and mass loss assessments at elevated temperatures (100 °C, 200 °C, and 300 °C). The results indicate that increasing pumice content leads to a significant reduction in mechanical strength, as evidenced by a strong negative correlation (e.g., −0.994 for compressive strength), and results in increased water absorption due to the higher porosity of pumice. Thermal exposure caused more pronounced weight loss in pumice-rich mixtures, primarily attributable to moisture evaporation and the formation of surface voids, particularly in LC60 and LC70 specimens. Although the incorporation of pumice effectively reduces the unit weight of concrete, it compromises both strength and durability, highlighting a critical trade-off between weight reduction and structural performance. Future studies are recommended to quantitatively assess the relationship between compressive and flexural strengths to address current limitations. Additionally, advanced microstructural analyses (e.g., SEM, XRD), fire resistance evaluations at higher temperatures, and the development of hybrid mixes incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) should be further explored.

International peer-review E-Journal.

This study aims to examine and present the general results of the urban transformation studies methods and techniques applied in the province of Elazig after the Sivrice earthquake. The study used a descriptive approach method within the scope of qualitative research. Urban transformation project data applied in risky areas were obtained from technical analysis and interviews. The research covers the results of urban transformation in risky areas of Elazig province. Cleaning, renewal, and post-disaster transformation methods were used in urban transformation works in risky areas. The general situation after the earthquake has revealed some weaknesses in selecting methods and techniques for urban transformation applications. As a result of urban transformation practices, bioharmological buildings that are more compatible with the current earthquake legislation, with a stronger carrier system, more comfortable, and in terms of user identity and purpose of use, are offered to the use of beneficiaries.

This study investigates the engineering characteristics of a newly commissioned higher education building through the Bioharmological Conformity Assessment (BCA) method, specifically using the 2020vEB version. The BCA is a novel evaluation approach that assesses whether a building aligns with the identity of its users and its intended function. The engineering attributes of the structure were assessed across 12 core criteria, encompassing a total of 600 individual parameters. Findings from the BCA inspection indicate that the newly completed building falls into the category of “Near-Standard Building/Minor Modifications Required.” The BCA score was calculated as 398.73, corresponding to a deficiency rate of 25.50%. Notably, significant shortcomings were observed in categories such as user identity and intended use, Physical Characteristics of the Space, and Ecological and Seismological Suitability. Consequently, targeted improvements are necessary to align the building with bioharmological principles, requiring only minor adjustments to rectify the identified deficiencies.

In this study, it was aimed to examine and reveal the general results of the models applied in urban transformation works in Elazığ province after the 6.8 Mw Sivrice earthquake on January 24, 2020. The population of the research, Elazığ province sample, is Karşıyaka, Cumhuriyet, Abdullahpaşa, Mustafapaşa, Rüstempaşa, Sürsürü, Kızılay and Sivrice Country Gölbaşı Neighborhoods. The study is qualitative research in the form of a field study in terms of revealing the results of urban transformation implementation at the sample points. In this context, observation technique, interview technique, and documentary scanning technique were used in the descriptive analysis. General physical-structural characteristics of buildings in the observation technique; in the interview technique, 100 building owners and users' opinions about the buildings; In the documentary scanning technique, the reflections of literature information in practice are interpreted as a whole. In comparing the literature information, project technical documents obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and Elazığ Municipality were used. As a result, the model to be chosen in the urban transformation process is an important parameter in the success of the application and reaching the desired goal. More qualified urban transformation applications will be achieved by reducing the problems that arise in public transformation projects, especially in determining the legislation, and by choosing the appropriate model for comprehensive transformation.

In this study, the effect of aggregate size and ambient temperature on the impact resistance of concrete was investigated experimentally. Also, it was tried to determine the behavior of normal and crushed stones in impact resistance, freeze–thaw, and compressive strength when used separately and together in concrete. No additives were used in the concrete samples. The consistency stability of fresh concrete is 80 mm. The D_max of the aggregates is 16 mm and 31.5 mm. These specimens underwent successive impact tests at temperatures of 30 °C, 0 °C, and − 25 °C and were subjected to drops from heights of 25 cm and 30 cm. The resistance of the concretes to pressure and impact increased with a larger aggregate size. Notably, concrete samples containing crushed stone exhibited higher resistance to impact compared to those with normal aggregates. On moderate, the concrete samples at temperatures of 30 °C, 0 °C, and − 25 °C could withstand 12–14, 10–12, and 6–11 consecutive impacts, respectively. A discernible decrease in the resistance of concrete against pressure and impact was observed as the atmospheric temperature decreased.