An Engineering Case History of the Prevention and Remediation of Sinkholes Induced by Limestone Quarrying

Abstract

This paper introduces an engineering case history of the prevention and remediation of sinkholes induced by limestone quarrying in Longmen county, Huizhou city, China, through karst groundwater-air pressure monitoring, the design and construction of a grouting curtain, and grouting effect detection. Based on hydrogeological surveys, the location of the main karst development zones and faults can be accurately delineated by combining geophysical exploration with drilling, providing a basis for curtain setting. According to the interpretation results of geophysical exploration, the monitoring boreholes of groundwater-air pressure were set up, which provided support for mine construction, optimization of prevention and remediation of the sinkhole scheme, and reduction of sinkhole risk. In order to prevent the further expansion of sinkhole hazards, grouting curtain technology was used for engineering treatment of the water inflow points of the quarry. After construction of the grouting curtain was completed, comprehensive detection methods were used to evaluate the grouting effect of the curtain. The results showed that the inflow rate reduced from 3500 to approximately 500 m3/day, the water plugging effect was significant, and the occurrence of sinkhole hazards was effectively reduced. The monitoring boreholes can capture the changes of groundwater-air pressure within karst conduit systems, and the purpose of monitoring and warning of sinkholes can be achieved by setting an appropriate warning threshold.