GEOTECHNICAL RISKS OF CONSTRUCTION IN KARST AREAS: ANALYSIS, ERRORS, AND ASSESSMENT METHODS

ГЕОТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ РИСКИ СТРОИТЕЛЬСТВА НА КАРСТОВЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЯХ: АНАЛИЗ, ОШИБКИ И МЕТОДЫ ОЦЕНКИ

Давыдова Екатерина Юрьевна

студент, кафедра Механики грунтов и геотехники, Московский государственный строительный университет,

РФ, г. Москва

Тарабарина Юлия Алексеевна

научный руководитель, старший преподаватель, Московский государственный строительный университет,

РФ, г. Москва

ABSTRACT

Karst poses a significant threat to construction, causing the formation of underground voids, sinkholes, and deformations in areas with water-soluble rocks. Despite the existence of regulatory frameworks (SP 47.13330.2016, SP 498.1325800.2020), construction in karst-prone areas is associated with numerous risks stemming from deficiencies in engineering surveys, design, and construction practices.

An analysis of regulatory documentation and typical errors in construction on karst terrains was conducted. A quantitative risk assessment methodology employing a probabilistic-statistical approach was applied. A classification of errors was developed across five categories: engineering surveys, design, utilities, construction, and materials.

Five critical categories of errors were identified, with the most hazardous being insufficient drilling density and the neglect of voids during the survey stage, as well as improper foundation type selection during design. A risk assessment matrix was developed with five levels: from "very low" (1–5 points) to "critical" (21–25 points). It was established that when risk reaches the 16–20 point level, temporary work suspension is required, while at 21–25 points, project rejection or redesign is necessary.

Ensuring construction reliability in karst areas requires a comprehensive approach that includes thorough engineering-geological surveys, application of specialized foundation solutions (pile or mat foundations), anti-karst measures (grouting, drainage), and systematic monitoring at all stages of construction and operation. The proposed quantitative risk assessment methodology enables informed decision-making regarding project adjustments or work suspension.

АННОТАЦИЯ

Карст представляет собой серьёзную угрозу для строительства, вызывая образование подземных пустот, провалов и деформаций в зонах водорастворимых пород. Несмотря на наличие нормативной базы (СП 47.13330.2016, СП 498.1325800.2020), строительство на карстующихся территориях сопряжено с многочисленными рисками, обусловленными недостатками инженерных изысканий, проектирования и строительства.

Проведён анализ нормативной документации и типичных ошибок при строительстве на карстовых территориях. Применена методология количественной оценки рисков с использованием вероятностно-статистического подхода. Разработана классификация ошибок по категориям: инженерные изыскания, проектирование, коммуникации, строительство и материалы.

Выявлены пять критических категорий ошибок, наиболее опасными из которых являются недостаточная плотность бурения и игнорирование пустот на стадии изысканий, а также неправильный выбор типа фундамента при проектировании. Разработана матрица оценки рисков с пятью уровнями: от «очень малый» (1–5 баллов) до «критический» (21–25 баллов). Установлено, что при достижении риска уровня 16–20 баллов необходима временная приостановка работ, а при 21–25 баллах — отказ от проекта или его переработка.

Обеспечение надёжности строительства на карстовых территориях требует комплексного подхода, включающего тщательные инженерно-геологические изыскания, применение специализированных фундаментных решений (свайные или плитные фундаменты), противокарстовые мероприятия (инъектирование, дренаж) и системный мониторинг на всех этапах строительства и эксплуатации. Предложенная методология количественной оценки рисков позволяет обоснованно принимать решения о корректировке проекта или приостановке работ.

Keywords: karst, geotechnical risks, engineering surveys, risk assessment, construction, foundations.

Ключевые слова: карст, геотехнические риски, инженерные изыскания, оценка рисков, строительство, фундаменты.

Introduction

Karst is a natural geological phenomenon that occurs under conditions of active water circulation in zones of water-soluble rocks, such as gypsum, limestone, dolomite, and anhydrite. It leads to the formation of underground voids, sinkholes, depressions, and other deformations, posing a significant hazard to construction activities.

In accordance with the provisions of SP 47.13330.2016, SP 22.13330.2016, and SP 498.1325800.2020, the identification, mapping, and accounting of karst processes are mandatory at the engineering survey stage.

Methods for Detecting Karst Processes

Current regulatory standards prescribe the use of a comprehensive set of methods for assessing karst activity, including drilling, geophysical surveys (electrical and seismic exploration), remote sensing, and hydrogeological monitoring. SP 498.1325800.2020 mandates mandatory sounding of potentially hazardous areas and the development of a ground model with an assessment of karst hazard levels (K0–K3).

Analysis of Design and Construction Errors

The most critical errors in construction on karst-prone areas, their potential consequences, as well as methods for prevention and risk control are presented in the table:

Table 1.

Prevention and Risk Control Methods

Geotechnical Risk Assessment:

Methodology

Following the compilation of a register of potential risks, their quantitative assessment must be performed.

This involves:

1. Risk identification linked to construction phases. The risk level is calculated using the formula:

Ri = Pi × Ui,

where Pi is the probability assessment, and Ui is the damage assessment.

2. The formula for total risk assessment:

R = ∑ (pj × yj),

where pj — is the probability of the j-th risk, and yj is the expected damage from it.

Table 2

Probability Scale

Table 3

Сlassification of the nature of damage

Table 4

Сlassification required Measures

Conclusion

Construction in karst areas requires thorough geological investigation, strict adherence to regulatory requirements (including SP 498.1325800.2020), application of specialized engineering solutions, and continuous monitoring of ground conditions. Only a comprehensive approach ensures risk reduction and the reliability of constructed facilities.

References:

1. SP 47.13330.2016. Engineering Surveys for Construction. Updated Edition.
2. SNiP 11-02-96. — Moscow: Ministry of Construction of Russia, 2016.
3. SP 22.13330.2016. Foundations of Buildings and Structures. Updated Edition of SNiP 2.02.01-83. — Moscow: Ministry of Construction of Russia, 2016.
4. SP 498.1325800.2020. Buildings and Structures. Protection Against Karst. — Moscow: Ministry of Construction of Russia, 2020.
5. GOST 25100-2020. Soils. Classification. — Moscow: Standartinform, 2020.
6. SP 446.1325800.2019. Methodology for Assessing Karst Hazard and Predicting Its Development. — Moscow: TsNIIP of the Ministry of Construction of Russia, 2019.
7. Kuznetsov, V.M. Karst Geology and Engineering Problems. — Moscow: Nedra, 2007.
8. Filatov, N.N. Engineering Geology. — St. Petersburg: Lan, 2020.