Geotechnical and Geohydrological Investigations in Eastern United States Karst

摘要

An expanding population has increased the likelihood of ground water supply contamination, the risks to constructed facilities, the cost of construction, and the difficulty of handling stormwater under current Federal regulation at "karst" sites. Geotechnical and geohydrological practitioners often underestimate the problems created by developing land underlain by solutioned carbonates. Both conventional and unconventional exploratory tools can be used to investigate a "karstic" subsurface, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, ground reconnaissance, geologic mapping, test pits, test probes, test borings, aquifer tests, slug tests, and dye tracing. Geophysical investigations, unless performed with an understanding of the high variability of the subsurface, are often unsatisfactory. The requirements of municipal ordinances may govern the nature of an investigation. Remediation is possible. The more frequently used remedial techniques include grouting, pin or pipe piles, caissons, dynamic compaction, and reverse filter sinkhole filling. Whether a regulator, developer, geotechnical professional or citizen, karst poses a problem that is difficult to deal with properly and economically no matter the locale.