Data on manmade sinkholes due to leakage in underground pipelines in different subsurface soil profiles

Abstract

This paper provides simulated datasets for different versions of small-scale physical sinkhole models that are essential to understand the sinkhole formation rate. These physical models were used in experiments to monitor ground settlement or collapse due to leakage from an underground pipeline. The factors under consideration were the subsurface soil profile, pattern of water flow, and leakage position in the pipeline. The experimental results and statistical analysis showed that the subsurface soil strata conditions dominated the sinkhole occurrence mechanism, although other factors also contributed to the settlement. The results also showed that the subsurface soil comprising strata sandy clay, limestone, and bedrock (SC-LS-BR) dominates the sinkhole mechanism. The data are organized and formated in a useful structure. Specifically, the dataset is presented in terms of tables to illustrate the settlements in different soil profiles under various conditions. This analysis was then used to predict the sinkhole risk level under different conditions. The formulated dataset and the results can be considered in developing a sinkhole risk index (SRI) and identifying sinkhole risk areas.