Applicability quality assessment of dimension stones for service in the buildings (A new approach using a mathematical model and fuzzy logic)

Determining the most suitable application(s) of a stone increases its service life in the buildings. Quality of building stones is associated with numerous physicomechanical properties or Impacting Factors (IFs). However, no comprehensive framework has yet been developed in this regard. In this study, firstly, each IF for each stone type was classified into three scenarios as 'Poor', 'Medium', and 'Good', the limits of which were obtained by investigating the data from multiple sources and standards. Then, three magnitudes in the range of 1-3 were assigned to the scenarios with the aid of a fuzzy inference system. Finally, using Folchi mathematical model, 6 common applications were evaluated from the viewpoint of 14 IFs by a correlation matrix. Eventually, a new index called the Applicability Score (AS) was defined to facilitate the stone selecting process and also finding its most suitable application. Implementing this model in Ask Travertine Quarry, Iran, gave an AS score of 120.45, placing the quarry at a medium quality level, which is consistent with the current sale price of quarry's polished stones. Moreover, the facade was recognized as the most appropriate application for the intended quarry.