Understanding Florida’s Sinkhole Hazards: Hydrogeological Laboratory Study

• Published in: Geotechnical Frontiers 2017 pp. 508 - 518
• Main Authors: Sallam, Amr, Perez, Adam L, Chopra, Manoj, Nam, BooHyun
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9780784480472; 0784480478
• DOI: 10.1061/9780784480472.053

Sinkholes pose a hazard socially, economically and environmentally. In Florida, sinkhole-related insurance claims between 2006 and 2010 amounted to $1.4 billion. The scope of this study is to develop a sinkhole simulator (soil-groundwater physical testing) that can assess the qualitative behavior of the hydrogeological mechanism of sinkhole formation. The physical model setup incorporates an unconfined and confined aquifer system with constant head controls for each. Water level transducers are used to monitor variations in the water table during the sinkhole process. The study investigates effects of sinkhole affecting parameters such as soil type and compaction level. Scenarios involving adjustments in soil type and compaction are employed to collect data on water table drawdown and erosion characteristics, as well as the type of sinkhole formation, either cover-collapse or cover-subsidence. A strong relationship between soil compaction, cohesion and the type of sinkhole formed was observed.