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Sinkholes: Sinkhole Collapse
Sinkhole collapse is a function of erosion. While a collapse is difficult to
predict, there are a variety of warning signs associated with surface and
subterranean changes that could indicate an imminent problem. These signs
include:
- Tree roots are now exposed that were not before
- Doors and windows that no longer close properly
- Surface depressions where none were before
- Muddy water or turbidity in well water
- Structural failure, cracks in walls, floors or pavement
- Ponding of rainwater where water had not collected before
- Fence posts or trees that start that have become slanted
- Exposure of exterior footer or separation of soils from floor slabs
- Cracks in the ground
- Localized changes in vegetation, perhaps becoming dry and wilting
- Signs of possible "gopher" holes or broken water lines
- Heavy amounts of rainfall from recent storms
If you recognize a combination of these indicators, then you should consider
contacting an expert on sinkholes to further investigate the situation.
Mitigation of sinkhole collapse is of particular concern in areas of new urban
development. Traditionally, many development projects have enhanced the threats
associaed with sinkholes. Development necessarily reduces the amount of surface
area that can absorb precipitation, thereby increasing stormwater runoff and
directing it into limited areas. Real estate developers should make every
effort to plan developments in a manner that avoids sinkholes and least disturbs
natural drainage patterns. Ultimately, the best mitigation for sinkhole
collapse is to reduce the volume of water passing into a sinkhole. Here are
some other measures that can reduce the threat associated with sinkhole
collapse:
- Use steel reinforcement in the foundation footers and construction
- Use peers and caissons set on bedrock and constructed of concrete and steel for all large multi-story buildings
- Keep water away from foundations
- Direct gutter downspouts in a manner to drain water away from structures
- Eliminate ditches or low spots close to structures
- Ensure that no leaks exist in water supply lines and sewer lines
- Purchase sinkhole collapse insurance (currently Kentucky insurance companies are not required to offer such policies, and such insurance is difficult to find)
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