Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Salem Al-Aaser
Professor
Detection for severe caves and sinkholes in nonclastic rock type using GPR technique
Journal of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) • 2023
Publication Information
Authors
Khamis Mansour*, Mohamed ABD El Zaher*, Mahmoud Hafiz**, Shereen Ebrahim*, Mahmoud Gomaa* and Mohamed Salem***
Keywords
GPR; cave detection;
sinkholes; karstic formations;
Giza plateau
Journal
Journal of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG)
Publisher
Elsevier B.V. on behalf of National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics
Volume
12, NO. 01
Issue
2090-9985
Pages
121–131
publication.type
Local
Paper Link
Open Link
Supplementary Materials
Not Available
Abstract
This study examines the application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to the detection
of severe caverns and sinkholes in non-clastic rock formations. Due to the presence of
vertically sloping bedrock, cavities, and sinkholes, geotechnical engineers face significant
challenges when designing and constructing foundations in karstic formations such as limestone. The territory under investigation is located close to the Giza limestone plateau,
the northern side of which has experienced severe stability issues. The groundpenetrating radar (GPR) method was used to identify the presence and extent of exposed caves and caverns in the studied region. The research area’s geological and geomorphological background is explored, including the creation of primary and secondary caves, as well as solution caves generated by the breakdown of soluble rocks like limestone. Data collecting, processing, and interpretation procedures used in the GPR survey are described. GPR survey findings revealed the existence of a severe cave and many minor sinkholes in the studied region. GPR has shown to be a useful and efficient tool for determining geometric karst features in the subsurface, helping to a better evaluation of the dangers associated with this geological environment.
of severe caverns and sinkholes in non-clastic rock formations. Due to the presence of
vertically sloping bedrock, cavities, and sinkholes, geotechnical engineers face significant
challenges when designing and constructing foundations in karstic formations such as limestone. The territory under investigation is located close to the Giza limestone plateau,
the northern side of which has experienced severe stability issues. The groundpenetrating radar (GPR) method was used to identify the presence and extent of exposed caves and caverns in the studied region. The research area’s geological and geomorphological background is explored, including the creation of primary and secondary caves, as well as solution caves generated by the breakdown of soluble rocks like limestone. Data collecting, processing, and interpretation procedures used in the GPR survey are described. GPR survey findings revealed the existence of a severe cave and many minor sinkholes in the studied region. GPR has shown to be a useful and efficient tool for determining geometric karst features in the subsurface, helping to a better evaluation of the dangers associated with this geological environment.