Experimental study of ground subsidence mechanism caused by sewer pipe cracks

Abstract

Simultaneous leakage of soil particles and groundwater into underground vacant spaces caused by sewer pipe defects and cracks can cause underground cavities and even ground collapse on the surface. Numerical studies of this problem are limited, and the mechanism of ground subsidence caused by leakage of soil and groundwater into construction sites has yet to be verified. In this study, the factors affecting the mechanism of ground subsidence are verified via physical modelling of a sewer pipe defect. Through visual inspection and particle image velocimetry analysis, it has been found that the groundwater flow direction, hydraulic gradient around the leakage point, and strength of the ground to support itself are the main factors that dominate the mechanism of ground subsidence. These factors can affect ground deformation and cavity expansion direction, ground subsidence development and collapse speed, and occurrence of sudden ground collapse, respectively. It was also found that pore pressure fluctuates when cavity cavern collapse and cavity expansion occur.