Geotechnical Design Over Karst. It's All About the Water
Karst is a type of topography which is formed over soluble rocks, such as limestone, dolomite, or gypsum. An irregular bedrock surface is typical of most karst areas, along with sinkholes,...
Sinkhole Investigation and Grouting: Novel Recommendations for a Pipeline Right-of-Way
In 2009, numerous sinkholes developed within and adjacent to a 400-ft-long section of high-pressure, petroleum pipeline right-of-way that crosses under a local creek in Plymouth Meeting,...
A Probabilistic Approach to Karstic Foundation Variability
Karst is a landscape formed in soluble rocks caused by movement of water that has become slightly acidic. Limestone, dolomite, and gypsum are vulnerable to these influences and may be...
Karst-Related Sinkholes: Dynamic Compaction as an Effective Remediation Option
The paramount issue to address before constructing at sites underlain by karst topography is identification and remediation of sinkholes which exist close to the surface, and specifically...
A Design Theory for Compaction Grouting
(Originally published in
Case Closed
In June 1993, a massive sinkhole developed in a surface parking lot of a hotel facility in Georgia. The hole was a result of the soil erosion associated with a failed, 4-meter diameter...
Sinkhole Solution (Available in Geo-Environmental Special Issue only)
In the summer of 1998, a large sinkhole developed overnight in the center of the two-year-old Eagle Ridge Mall in Haines City, FL. The surface depression measured approximately 4.3 m deep...
Dynamic Duo
From the record-breaking 22 nominees for the Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) award this year, two very different projects were singled out for Merit Awards. The Fred Hartman...
Flood Damage Mitigation Efforts in a Small Mountainous Community in Jamaica
About 60 percent of the mountainous Caribbean island of Jamaica is underlain by karstic limestone. 'Sinkholes' in this limestone form the natural outlets to many surface waters. During...
Stabilizing a `Mann'-Sized Sinkhole
On Sept. 21, 1988, a sinkhole suddenly developed beneath a transmission/distribution effluent pipeline on Mann Road in Orange County, FL. Initially it measured 30 ft in diameter and 8...
Evaluating Sinkhole Hazards in Mantled Karst Terrane
Sinkholes are the most serious geologic hazard in karst terrane because they can damage structures, drain ponds and lakes, and allow direct infiltration of groundwater contamination. The...
Exploration of Karst Conditions in Central Florida
Walt Disney World, which comprises some 28,000 acres (11,000 ha) in central Florida, is underlain by cavernous limestone and is characterized by karst topography; with distinct low ground...
Karstic Foundation Problems Sunny Point Railroad
Active limestone sinkholes have been causing problems and affecting the operation of the access railroad to the Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point, North Carolina (MOTSU) since 1962....
Geotechnical Exploration and Site Preparation Techniques for Large Mall in Karst Terrain
A large commercial mall and secondary developments were planned for construction in a karst area near Clarksville, Tennessee. A geotechnical exploration was conducted to evaluate the occurence...
Sinkhole Rectification by Compaction Grouting
The unraveling of the overburden by solution activity in karst formations has caused many problems in existing structures and has generated high foundation costs on new construction. Slurry...
Treatment of Karst Along Tennessee Highways
The construction and maintenance of highways in karst areas of East Tennessee has resulted in the occurrence and treatment of induced sinkholes along the ditchlines of numerous highways....
Geotechnical Aspects of Karst Terrains
Exploration, Foundation Design and Performance, and Remedial Measures
The presence of solution cavities in karst terrains poses some unique problems in site exploration, design of foundations, and in remediation of problems with existing structures. Case...
Alternative Methods for Representing Sinkholes in Three-Dimensional Ground Water Flow Models
Two methods of representing the sinkholes in central Florida were investigated with a three-dimensional finite element model recently developed by Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. Both...
Predicting Sinkhole Collapse
Sinkholes erupt when a cavern or opening in the limestone rock below opens up to the surface. Florida's sinkholes have received most U.S. attention recently, but sinkhole geology is found...
Reinforced Earth Bridges Highway Sinkhole
Faced with an unusual sinkhole condition, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation decided to utilize a two-way reinforced earth slab in conjunction with a subsurface grouting program...
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