Interactive geotechnical design in karst and ex-mining ground in Malaysia

Abstract

The Kinta Formation is one of the prominent and complex karst formations in Malaysia. Karst ground has an abundance of cavities, solution channels, pinnacles, overhangs and floaters. Design and construction of foundations in such ground conditions are complicated. If a given site has karst geology and is an also ex-mining ground, the challenges are compounded. Often, generalised and one-size-fits-all designs are used in geotechnical engineering. However, in such unpredictable and challenging soil conditions, this approach can be either conservative or unsafe. An interactive geotechnical design approach is vital to achieving an economical and practical solution. In this paper, the role of interactive design in foundation design and construction of a lime-processing plant in Malaysia is discussed. The site, located in the eastern part of Peninsular Malaysia, sits within the bounds of the Kinta Formation and was a former tin-mining ground. Over the 34ha of the project site, earthworks and foundations were required to be executed. Some examples of solutions derived by interactive design in geotechnical engineering as applied to this project are discussed.