Forensic Geotechnical Engineering Studies of

Detection and Mitigation of Karst Sinkholes

Atharva Karhale (191010011002)

Forensic Geotechnical Engineering- CE 225009
Summary of the case study:
The paper consists of two case studies which deals with the forensic
geotechnical investigation of soil-interaction related failure occurring due to
Karst Sinkholes.
The paper deals with questions like “What happened?”, “Why did it happen?”,
“How can it be fixed?” & “Whose fault is it?”. Two forensic case studies
presented revolve around current methods used to detect, mitigate, and
repair Karst sinkhole conditions prior to and after construction of a structure.
First case study deals with construction of a 5-story hotel building, where
site investigation was done consisting of SPT tests which indicated Karst
Sinkholes issue. Second case study deals with 5 year old residence structure
which was expected to be facing Karst Sinkholes problem which was later
conformed by utilizing the Electrical Resistivity (ER) and other methods.
 Mechanism of Karst Sinkholes.
Karst is an area of land made up of limestone. Limestone, also known as chalk or
calcium carbonate, is a soft rock that dissolves in water. 
Mechanism:
Image - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DVIQPqS8E

• Ground water flowing

through sub-surface
dissolves the rocks
creating voids.
• This creates a space
for soil to pass and
washaway into.
• Soil collapses in the
void creating a
sinkhole.
 Case study 1. A 5-story hotel building with a footprint of
approx. 5,151 m^2 located in Florida is studied.
Image - Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst 2008

Aim: A geotechnical firm was commissioned to evaluate the ground water and
questionable subsoil conditions, that included - Reviewing existing geotechnical
information, performing additional exploration & evaluate soil issues, provide
various feasible alternatives for construction of foundation & assisting the
owner in selection of an economical & effective foundation system.
Geotechnical Exploration:
• Available geotechnical info. (curated by other
firm) was reviewed.
• Soil stratification and ground-water conditions -
by means of six standard penetration test (SPT)
borings to depths of 15 to 18 m (ref. adj. img.).
• Indicative of erodible solution activity at the site
was experienced. Deeper lime rocks were
weathered. Previously various sinkholes had
been documented near the project site.
 Mitigation Measures:
Image - Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst 2008

To counter site specific issues of stabilization of the loose subsoils and

subgrade reinforcement (as well as constructability, time issues, and costs),
a two step program consisting of grouting remediation, quality control and
post-grouting acceptance testing followed by a ground modification program
(installation of rammed aggregate pier) was finalized and implemented.
A 2 phase compaction grouting
layout consisting of 33 primary and
29 secondary vertical injection
points, prepped by the Geotech.
consultant was adapted. Engineering
agent from the firm monitored the
grouting program & documented
locations, drill depth, grout pumped
and date of drilling and pumping.
Image shows pre-grouting & post-grouting SPT results (‘n’ value variation) Unusual observations were noted.
 Case study 2. An existing 5 year old single story residence
with a pool located in Pasco County, Florida.
Image - https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/cover-subsidence-type-sinkholes

Aim: The structures had experienced movement manifested in the form of

minor cracks in the interior and exterior walls of the residence. Houses around
the project site also had experienced sinkhole related features & remediation
program had already been undertaken for them. A two stage investigative
program was undertaken.
Geotechnical Exploration:
• The two phase investigation (site borings and site specific Electrical
Resistivity-ER survey) and the analysis presented was of sufficient scope to
indicate sinkhole related activity (internal errosion) in the immediate vicinity
of the residence damage within a reasonable, professional probability.
• Geophysical resistivity survey indicated anomalous resistivity values
suggesting a raveled zone, which was further conformed by 3 SPT borings.

Cover-subsidence-type sinkhole
(fig.) was concluded as the cause.
Mitigation Measures:
Compaction grouting (vertical and angled) under the exterior wall followed by
completion of a waiting period (to allow dissipate pore pressure) and then the
installation of underpinning piers under the exterior load bearing wall.
GeoJect® grout pressure underpinning system (It is a patented process that
involves the installation of solid or steel underpins and/or auger piers and
subsequent injection of compaction grout through the perforations in the
lower section of the steel pier) was used.
A pier layout was prepared by a structural engineer, geotechnical engineer and
the specialty subcontractor in conjunction. It consisted of installing a total of
44 underpinning piers at selected locations around the perimeter of the house
and pool and setting them on the side of the footing. Geotechnical consultant
agent monitored and documented the locations, depth of underpins, hydraulic
pressure, drill depth for compaction grouting, volume of grout pumped, date
of drilling & pumping along with any unusual field observations.
Lessons learnt from the case studies
▪ Detailed geotechnical exploration programs & consulting various firms to
conform the soil test results & solutions when in doubt, can save project cost.
▪ A post-grouting exploration consisting of piezocone penetration test (PCPT)
soundings can be used to confirm the effectiveness of the grouting program.
▪ Rammed Aggregate Pier system (RAP) densified and reinforced the upper
loose soils and provided excellent load support and settlement control.
▪ GeoJect® system allowed the contractor to expedite the two stage (grouting
and piering) remediation process.
▪ The fulltime monitoring by a qualified engineer eliminated the need for any
further verification to appease the Florida Sinkhole Insurance requirements.
▪ Owner retained an attorney who sent a notice of claim and remediation cost
summary to the insurance company & recovered complete cost.
Thankyou
“You’ve been a great Audience!”