There is an increasing awareness amongdevelopers and owners, of the need to conduct subsurfaceexploration studies before planning a project. The use ofgeophysical methods in subsurface exploration has beenestablished to be valuable in locating sinkhole activity andsuggesting pro-active measures. However, the value ofgeophysical exploration to supplement geotechnical investigationhas not yet been stressed, primarily out of cost concerns. Groundpenetrating radar and electrical resistivity tests, which were usedto determine void spaces below proposed buildings are gainingwider acceptance. As a result of information obtained fromgeophysical tests, foundation designs were modified, to use post-tensioned mats or to include grouting. An improved groutingtechnique that controls the volume of grout being pumped in alsodiscussed. This paper is an attempt to document some casestudies which resulted in making design improvements tomitigate the effects of known sub-surface solution activity. Thesecase studies illustrate the use of geophysical exploration methodsin adding value to the engineered design
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