Abstract
This work describes the application of the electrical resistivity (ER) method to delineating subsurface structures and cavities in Kuala Lumpur Limestone within the Batu Cave area of Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. In all, 17 ER profiles were measured by using a Wenner electrode configuration with 2 m spacing. The field survey was accompanied by laboratory work, which involves taking resistivity measurements of rock, soil, and water samples taken from the field to obtain the formation factor. The relationship between resistivity and the formation factor and porosity for all the samples was established. The porosity values were plotted and contoured. A 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional representation of the subsurface topography of the area was prepared through use of commercial computer software. The results show the presence of cavities and sinkholes in some parts of the study area. This work could help engineers and environmental managers by providing the information necessary to produce a sustainable management plan in order to prevent catastrophic collapses of structures and other related geohazard problems.
Highlights
Karst areas are known to have a unique set of geotechnical and environmental difficulties that affects land use [1]
The results show that rock formations that consist of unweathered and weathered limestone have porosities ranging between 0.33% to 24.04%, while the soils porosity is between 43.62 to 50%
The intention of this paper was to develop a geometrical representation of cavities and sinkholes based on 2D and 3D electrical resistivity (ER) techniques, by establishing a relationship between soils and rock samples obtained from laboratory measurements and field ER measurements
Summary
Karst areas are known to have a unique set of geotechnical and environmental difficulties that affects land use [1]. Numerous engineering problems are believed to be connected with construction in karst environments, such as the disastrous collapse of the ground surface or a slow unnoticeable subsidence, which among other things, could lead eventually to the collapse of buildings, the destruction of railways and roads due to subsidence, and dam failures. Damage related to sinkholes is not limited to properties and structures such as buildings and roads but it affects water and environmental resources, creating pathways for draining surface water such as streams and lakes, directly into the underlying aquifers. This leads to the contamination of groundwater through the transportation of pollutants into the aquifer [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
