Ground Stability Analysis on the Limestone Region

ABSTRACT

A Natural cavities were found at shallow depth during construction of a huge bridge in Moon-Kyung, Korea. The distribution patterns of cavities in the Moon-Kyung limestone were investigated carefully with a supplementary field job such as a structural geological survey, a geophysical survey, and a rock mechanical test in laboratory or field. A structural geological mapping produced a detail geological map on this area. It suggested that there were three faults in this area, and these faults had an influence on the natural cavities. Among many kinds of geophysical surveys, an electrical resistivity prospecting was applied firstly on the specific area that was selected by results from the geological survey. Many evidences for cavities were disclosed from this geophysical data. Therefore, a seismic tomography was tested on the target area, which was focused by results from the electrical resistivity prospecting and was believed to have several large cavities. A distinct element numerical simulation using the UDEC was followed on the target area after completing all of field surveys. Data from field tests were directly dumped or extrapolated to numerical simulations as input data. It was verified from numerical analysis that several natural cavities underneath the foundation of the bridge should be reinforced. Based on the project result, finally, most of foundations for the bridge were re-examined and the cement grouting reinforcement was constructed on several foundations among them.

Keywords:

• limestone
• faults
• cavity
• numerical simulation
• reinforcement