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Geotechnical Investigations in Karst

Date & Time: 
Fri, 03/11/2016 - 11:30am - 1:00pm
Location: 
S&ME, Inc., 6190 Enterprise Court, Dublin OH 43016
  • Offered for free to Central Ohio Section ASCE Members
  • Seating is limited to the first 25 people
  • Bring your own lunch

Purpose and Background
Carbonate and evaporite geologic formations underlie a large portion of the world. These formations contain soluble compounds that result in portions of the formations dissolving over time to produce cavities, conduits, enlarged joints, caves, etc. The landforms resulting from these features are referred to as karst. Karst poses many geotechnical concerns such as subsidence, sinkholes, uneven structural support, high groundwater production, and groundwater sensitivity to contamination.

Locating and characterizing karst features at depth is a challenging task. Even large features can easily be missed by conventional borings and may not be detectable by some geophysical methods. This makes it necessary to employ a specially focused investigation that incorporates geological, geotechnical, statistical, and geophysical approaches to evaluate risks and determine the appropriate level of investigation.

This presentation includes a brief introduction to karst and the associated geotechnical issues. The instructor discusses and provides examples of methods and strategies for investigating and characterizing various aspects of karst.

RSVP to Chris Nye, cnye@smeinc.com by Monday, March 7, 2016.

Primary Discussion Topics

  • Geotechnical issues in karst
  • Geologic associations of karst features
  • Applications and limitations of various methods for investigating in karst
  • Integrated approach to investigation

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of the interaction of natural distribution of karst features
  • Learn the key factors and limitations of borings and geophysics in karst
  • Develop an understanding of the mechanics of how to integrate results of different investigation techniques

Webinar Benefits

  • Learn a comprehensive approach for effective investigation of karst
  • Learn to find the limitations of investigation methods for more effective use
  • Avoid costly errors from misinterpretation and use of inappropriate investigation methods
  • Find out how to implement the latest approaches to investigating karst
  • Learn the latest technology to effectively investigate karst

Webinar Outline

  • Introduction to karst
  • Geotechnical issues in karst
  • Geology and the structure of karst
  • Borings
  • Geophysics
  • Integration of methods
  • Example cases

Intended Audience

  • Geotechnical engineering consultants
  • Civil engineers
  • Geotechnical contractors
  • Site development professionals
  • Engineering geologists
  • Structural engineers
  • Regulators

See the ASCE website for more info.

The Central Ohio Section of ASCE sponsors free continuing education webinars as a service to our members. These webinars are produced by ASCE and normally cost $250 or $300 for ASCE members. However, the Central Ohio Section is paying the registration fee and inviting any interested section members to attend for free. Just RSVP by the deadline. Seating is limited, so do not delay.

You can see the complete list of webinars available from ASCE National on their website. If you see one you like, let us know. If you and your company would like to host one, let us know that too. If you open it up to any interested Central Ohio ASCE section members to come, we will pay the registration fee.