Identification and Mitigation of Subsidence in Karstic Areas with Sustainable Geotechnical Structures: A Case Study in Gallur (Spain)

Alberto Gracia (), Francisco Javier Torrijo, Julio Garzón-Roca and Miguel Pérez-Picallo
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Alberto Gracia: C.T.A. Associated Technical Consultants, S.A.P., 50006 Zaragoza, Spain
Francisco Javier Torrijo: Research Centre for Architecture, Heritage and Management for Sustainable Development (PEGASO), Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Julio Garzón-Roca: Department of Geodynamics, Stratigraphy and Paleontology, Faculty of Geology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Miguel Pérez-Picallo: C.T.A. Associated Technical Consultants, S.A.P., 50006 Zaragoza, Spain

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-16

Abstract: In various areas of the Ebro valley in Spain, including the region discussed here, the risk of sinkholes is becoming particularly severe, particularly impacting urban areas and roadways where land subsidence from karstic processes is common. However, knowledge of the area, its geological–geotechnical configuration, and the carrying out of specific research studies are allowing solutions to be tested in an attempt to resolve these situations. A case in point is the examination of settlement issues along a stretch of the access road leading to the city of Gallur from the east (known as Camino Real) in the Zaragoza province, Spain. Numerous surface manifestations of recent subsidence and/or collapse activities have been observed, manifesting as craters and ground undercuts, some several meters in diameter. The prevalence of highly karstifiable materials in the area, evident from the existence of subsidence pockets and collapse dolines, poses significant safety concerns, particularly for traffic and town access, prompting the closure of Camino Real for several years. Local and provincial authorities have embarked on studies to try to recognise this type of situation. Reports aimed at defining karstification processes, conducting geomechanical analyses of subsidence and cavity collapses, and proposing technical measures to mitigate risks have been prepared. Finally, a consolidation solution was proposed based on injections at column-depth of mortar with special characteristics, combined with the replacement and reinforcement of the most superficial soil by means of high-tensile-strength geotextile meshes.

Keywords: hazard; sinkhole mitigation; gypsum karst; Gallur; injections; geogrid; evaporitic rocks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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