Sinkhole hazard case histories in karst terrains

Abstract

With few exceptions, the ground collapses that constitute the karst geohazard in engineering activity in limestone terrains are induced by human activity. Subsidence sinkholes, formed entirely within the soil profile, constitute the most widespread karst geohazard, but are largely induced by engineered works, either directly or accidentally. Water table decline (as a result of pumped abstraction or quarry de-watering) and uncontrolled surface drainage input are the two key factors that induce subsidence sinkholes, especially where both are involved. Collapse sinkholes, formed by failure of bedrock over a cavity, are rare in natural karst landscapes, but may be induced by excessive loading imposed on limestone that lies above an open cave; the risks associated with this geohazard should be eliminated by implementation of an appropriate site investigation that includes proof drilling. Case studies to demonstrate the karst geohazard concern: (1) homes damaged by new sinkholes around a de-watered limestone quarry in Pennsylvania; (2) problems with sinkholes for a railway across dolomite karst in South Africa; (3) collapse of ground in pseudokarst in Guatemala; (4) failure of a viaduct pier into an unseen cave in Florida; (5) estimation of potential sizes of collapse sinkholes along a pipeline route over gypsum karst in Turkey. As hazardous new sinkholes in karst are almost entirely induced by either uncontrolled drainage or excessive loading, they should be largely eliminated by appropriate engineering design and works. These need to be based on a proper understanding of karst ground conditions.

Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst: Proceedings of the Fourteenth Multidisciplinary Conference

“…The layer was filtered This paper aims to narrow down the importance of particular surficial factors. Based on a range of literature (Waltham, 2008;Parise et al, 2009;Parise, 2010) it is clear that this hazardous phenomenon has the ability to destroy lives and local communities. The creation of any susceptibility zonation maps based on the current ambiguity of such existing surficial causes will provide insight into avoiding a potentially unsafe environment.…”

PS-InSAR Analysis of Sentinel-1 Data for Detecting Ground Motion in Temperate Oceanic Climate Zones: A Case Study in the Republic of Ireland

“…Collapse of overlying rock and/or soil into these features can result in sinkholes. These are depressions that range in diameter from 1 m to 500 m and may form over tens of years or tens of minutes [35]. Karst terrains therefore present special hazards to the construction and long-term stability of roads, railways, and buildings (e.g., [36]).…”

6.35 Dealing with Gypsum Karst Problems: Hazards, Environmental Issues, and Planning

“…In some circumstances leaking water supply pipelines can trigger severe karstic collapse events similar to those recorded by McDowell (2005). Where hazards are identified, such as a major oil and gas pipeline crossing the Sivas gypsum karst in Turkey, the maximum size of an anticipated collapse can be determined and the pipeline strength increased to cope with the problems (Waltham, 2008).…”