Mapping Subsurface in Proximity to Newly-Developed Sinkhole Along Roadway

Status

Sequential Number

Identification Number

Matching Research Agency

GeoEngineers

Principal Investigator

Student Involvement

Two graduate students will be involved in this project

Project Objective

1. MS&T will acquire electrical resistivity tomography profiles in immediate proximity to a newly-developed sinkhole in Nixa Missouri. The sinkhole has closed a well-traveled roadway and threatens proximal infrastructure. The intent is to characterize the subsurface expression of the sinkhole so that appropriate mitigation efforts can be designed and implemented. This sinkhole is of very real concern to the City of Nixa because it developed only one block from a huge sinkhole (90 feet deep) that swallowed half of house in 2007.

2. The MS&T researchers will determine optimum ERT data acquisition and processing parameters.We will utilize both short and long electrode spacings in an attempt to determine optimal field parameters (best combination of depth of investigation and resolution).  Boring control will constrain and verify interpretations.

Project Abstract

MS&T will acquire electrical resistivity tomography profiles in immediate proximity to a newly-developed sinkhole in Nixa Missouri (see photograph, following page). The sinkhole has closed a well-traveled municipal roadway and threatens proximal infrastructure. The intent of this investigation is to characterize the subsurface expression of the sinkhole so that appropriate mitigation efforts can be designed and implemented.

Task Description

N/A

Anticipated Benefits

If MS&T is successful, we will demonstrate that the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) tool can be used to characterize the subsurface image of active sinkholes.  This information will be used to design implementable mitigation efforts.

Modal Orientation

Milestones

Relationship to other Research/Projects

N/A

Technology Transfer Activities

Results will be presented at national conference (probably FHWA Geophysics Conference in 2011) and published. The deliverables will include an evaluation of the utility of the ERT method for mapping active sinkholes and a discussion of the degree of resolution provided by the tool.  A discussion of optimum acquisition and processing parameters will also be included.

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Electrical resistivity tomography, sinkholes