Use of Ground Surface Caving Model to Predict Karst Cavity Effect on Soil Mass Deformation

Abstract

It is proposed that the 'ground surface caving' model, similar to the 'standard curves' scheme describe ground surface caving above underground workings be used in the case of relatively large thickness of the over-karst earth mass. Relations for evaluating the form and parameters of the maximum surface as a function of the thickness of the overkarst mass as well as the depth and dimensions (in plan) of the cavity formed near the roof of the karsting mass are written down for the ground surface caving, formally possessing the appearance of a two-dimensional Gaussian surface. It is shown that the 'ground surface caving' scheme makes it possible to avoid the contradictions characteristic for the 'depression' model. Engineering geologic surveys in karst regions should focus on predicting phenomena that can develop in karsting rock.